Meaning: The quote you provided is from Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. It reflects his belief in the fundamental principles of democracy and the rights of the people to shape their own government. The quote emphasizes the idea that the country and its institutions are not the property of a ruling elite or a single individual, but rather belong to the people who live in it. Lincoln's words convey the notion that the power to change or even overthrow the existing government lies in the hands of the citizens.

In this quote, Lincoln speaks to the concept of popular sovereignty, which is the principle that the legitimacy of the government is derived from the consent of the governed. This means that the authority of the government is ultimately rooted in the will of the people. Lincoln's emphasis on the people's right to "amend" or "overthrow" the government underscores the idea that the ultimate power in a democratic society resides with the citizenry.

The quote also touches upon the relationship between the government and the governed. It suggests that the government exists to serve the people, and not the other way around. By acknowledging the people's right to change or challenge the government, Lincoln reinforces the idea that the government's authority is not absolute, but rather contingent on the support and consent of the governed.

Lincoln's words also allude to the mechanisms through which change can be brought about within a democratic system. He mentions the "constitutional right of amending" the government, which refers to the process of making changes to the constitution or the laws through established legal procedures. This reflects the idea that in a democratic society, there are formal mechanisms in place to enable peaceful and orderly change within the political system.

Additionally, Lincoln refers to the "revolutionary right to overthrow" the government, acknowledging that there may be circumstances where the existing system fails to address the needs and aspirations of the people, leading to the possibility of revolutionary change. This reflects the recognition that, in extreme situations, the people have the right to challenge and, if necessary, overthrow a government that is no longer responsive to their needs and rights.

Overall, Lincoln's quote encapsulates the foundational principles of democracy, emphasizing the sovereignty of the people, their right to shape the government, and the existence of both legal and revolutionary means to effect change. It reflects his unwavering belief in the power of the people and the dynamic nature of democratic governance, where the government's authority is derived from and accountable to the citizens it serves.

In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln's quote underscores the essential principles of democracy, highlighting the people's ownership of the country and its institutions, and their rights to shape the government according to their will. It serves as a reminder of the dynamic and participatory nature of democratic governance, where the ultimate authority resides with the people, and the government's legitimacy is contingent on their consent and support.