A Nation of Laws

Audio Transcription

Our founders created a nation in which people establish the laws. No one is above the law. Our courts ensure the fair and equal application of the law to all. "The Government of the United States has been emphatically termed a government of laws and not of men." This quote is from Chief Justice John Marshall, who wrote the opinion in Marbury v Madison, 1803. There is a linotype drawing of Benjamin Franklin as he appeared during the time he was ambassador to France during the American Revolution, a white man in his early 70s with a fur lined coat. Next is a linotype drawing of James Madison in a black coat with frills. At the bottom is a reproduction of the painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. George Washington stands on the right side, as John Hancock signs the document. The members of the Continental Congress watch.