There are no good laws but such as repeal other laws.

Meaning of the quote

This quote suggests that the best laws are the ones that get rid of or change other existing laws. It means that good laws should be able to improve or fix problems with older laws, rather than just adding more rules. The goal should be to have a clear, simple set of laws that work well together, not a complicated and confusing set of laws.

About Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, took office after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. He faced conflicts with the Republican-dominated Congress and was even impeached, but was acquitted. Despite his humble beginnings, Johnson had a long political career, serving as a senator, governor, and president.

More about the author

More quotes from Andrew Johnson

Slavery exists. It is black in the South, and white in the North.

Andrew Johnson

president of the United States from 1865 to 1869

Honest conviction is my courage; the Constitution is my guide.

Andrew Johnson

president of the United States from 1865 to 1869

The goal to strive for is a poor government but a rich people.

Andrew Johnson

president of the United States from 1865 to 1869

Legislation can neither be wise nor just which seeks the welfare of a single interest at the expense and to the injury of many and varied interests.

Andrew Johnson

president of the United States from 1865 to 1869

It’s a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word.

Andrew Johnson

president of the United States from 1865 to 1869

If the rabble were lopped off at one end and the aristocrats at the other, all would be well with the country.

Andrew Johnson

president of the United States from 1865 to 1869

I am sworn to uphold the Constitution as Andy Johnson understands it and interprets it.

Andrew Johnson

president of the United States from 1865 to 1869

I hold it the duty of the executive to insist upon frugality in the expenditure, and a sparing economy is itself a great national source.

Andrew Johnson

president of the United States from 1865 to 1869

If I am shot at, I want no man to be in the way of the bullet.

Andrew Johnson

president of the United States from 1865 to 1869

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.

Andrew Johnson

president of the United States from 1865 to 1869

There are no good laws but such as repeal other laws.

Andrew Johnson

president of the United States from 1865 to 1869

Who, then, will govern? The answer must be, Man – for we have no angels in the shape of men, as yet, who are willing to take charge of our political affairs.

Andrew Johnson

president of the United States from 1865 to 1869

I feel incompetent to perform duties… which have been so unexpectedly thrown upon me.

Andrew Johnson

president of the United States from 1865 to 1869