Meaning: The quote "Outside of the Constitution we have no legal authority more than private citizens, and within it we have only so much as that instrument gives us. This broad principle limits all our functions and applies to all subjects" by Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, encapsulates a fundamental concept of constitutional governance. It emphasizes the sovereignty of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land and underscores the principle that governmental authority is derived solely from constitutional provisions.

Andrew Johnson's quote reflects the foundational principles of constitutionalism, which advocates for the limitation of governmental powers through a written constitution. In this context, the Constitution serves as the ultimate arbiter of authority, delineating the scope and limits of governmental actions. Johnson's assertion underscores the idea that without the constitutional framework, those in positions of authority would possess no more legal standing than ordinary citizens, highlighting the notion that the Constitution is the source of all legitimate governmental power.

The quote also highlights the concept of constitutional supremacy, which asserts that the Constitution stands above all other laws and government actions. It places constraints on the exercise of governmental authority and ensures that all branches of government operate within the confines of constitutional provisions. By emphasizing that governmental authority is confined to the boundaries set by the Constitution, Johnson's quote reinforces the principle of limited government and the rule of law.

Furthermore, Johnson's statement alludes to the idea of popular sovereignty, which holds that the authority of the government is ultimately derived from the consent of the governed as expressed in the Constitution. This concept emphasizes that the people are the ultimate source of governmental power, and the Constitution serves as the mechanism through which their will is expressed and institutionalized. As such, the quote underscores the idea that the government's authority is not inherent but rather delegated by the people through the constitutional framework.

From a historical perspective, Johnson's quote is particularly significant as it reflects the post-Civil War era in the United States when the nation was grappling with the aftermath of the conflict and the reconstruction of the Union. During this period, the constitutional principles of limited government, separation of powers, and individual rights were central to the debates and efforts to rebuild the nation. Johnson's quote can be seen as a reaffirmation of these principles and a reminder of the fundamental role of the Constitution in shaping and constraining governmental authority.

In contemporary times, Johnson's quote continues to resonate as a reminder of the enduring importance of constitutional limitations on governmental power. It serves as a reaffirmation of the foundational principles of constitutional governance and the essential role of the Constitution in defining and constraining the exercise of authority. In a world where questions of governmental overreach and the protection of individual rights remain ever-present, Johnson's words serve as a timeless reminder of the fundamental precepts that underpin the American system of government.

In conclusion, Andrew Johnson's quote encapsulates the fundamental principle that governmental authority is derived from and limited by the Constitution. It underscores the foundational concepts of constitutionalism, constitutional supremacy, and popular sovereignty, highlighting the essential role of the Constitution as the source of legitimate governmental power. Johnson's words serve as a timeless reminder of the enduring importance of constitutional limitations on governmental authority and the foundational principles that underpin the American system of governance.