“For why declare that things shall not be done which there is no power to do?”

—  Alexander Hamilton , Federalist Papers

No. 84
The Federalist Papers (1787–1788)
Context: I go further, and affirm that bills of rights, in the sense and to the extent in which they are contended for, are not only unnecessary in the proposed Constitution, but would even be dangerous. They would contain various exceptions to powers not granted; and, on this very account, would afford a colorable pretext to claim more than were granted. For why declare that things shall not be done which there is no power to do?

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Alexander Hamilton 106
Founding Father of the United States 1757–1804

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