University of Virginia Library

1681. CONSTITUTION (The Federal), Foundation of.—

I consider the foundation of
the Constitution as laid on this ground:

Thomas Jefferson
Age about 44 years

From an engraving by Dequevauviller after the painting by Desnoyers. This portrait
was painted by the French artist Desnoyers, when Jefferson was in France as United States
Ambassador (1784-1789).

That “all powers not delegated to the
United States, by the Constitution, nor prohibited
by it to the States, are reserved to the
States or to the people.” [XIIth Amendment.] To take a single step beyond the
boundaries thus specifically drawn around the
powers of Congress, is to take possession of
a boundless field of power, no longer susceptible
of any definition.—
National Bank Opinion. Washington ed. vii, 556. Ford ed., v, 285.
(1791)