Who said “The constitution is not neutral. It was designed to take the government off the backs of…”?

Verified

William O. Douglas. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Court years, 1939-1975: The Autobiography of William O. Douglas‎ (1980), p. 8.

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“The constitution is not neutral. It was designed to take the government off the backs of people.”
— William O. Douglas
VerifiedThe Court years, 1939-1975: The Autobiography of William O. Douglas‎ (1980), p. 8. · evidenceGovernment

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Court years, 1939-1975: The Autobiography of William O. Douglas‎ (1980), p. 8..

APA

Douglas, W. O. (n.d.). The constitution is not neutral. It was designed to take the government off the backs of people. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/20253-the-constitution-is-not-neutral-it-was-designed/

MLA

Douglas, William O. “The constitution is not neutral. It was designed to take the government off the backs of people.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/20253-the-constitution-is-not-neutral-it-was-designed/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Douglas, William O. “The constitution is not neutral. It was designed to take the government off the backs of people.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/20253-the-constitution-is-not-neutral-it-was-designed/.

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“The search for static security -- in the law and elsewhere -- is misguided. The fact is security can only be achieved through constant change, adapting old ideas that have outlived their usefulness to current facts.”
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