Lincoln’s Enduring Call: The Rule of Law and the Preservation of Democracy

Abraham Lincoln’s 1838 speech to the Young Men’s Lyceum of Springfield, titled “The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions,” is a powerful and enduring call to preserve the rule of law. Speaking at just 28 years old, Lincoln warned that the greatest threat to American democracy would not come from abroad, but from within—through a gradual erosion of respect for the nation’s laws and institutions.

Lincoln delivered this message in response to rising violence and lawlessness in the United States, including lynchings and mob actions. He feared that disregard for the legal process, even in the name of justice, could undermine the very fabric of American democracy. His solution was a cultural commitment to the rule of law: “Let reverence for the laws… become the political religion of the nation.”

This reverence remains crucial today. At its core, the rule of law means that no one is above the law, and that laws are applied fairly and consistently. It is the foundation of constitutional government, where authority is limited and defined by law—not by the will of individuals.

Lincoln’s message also underscores the importance of the separation of powers created in the Constitution. By dividing governmental authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, the Constitution guards against the concentration of power and protects individual rights. Respecting these boundaries is not optional—it is essential to maintaining democratic governance.

In our modern era, as challenges to the rule of law still arise, from political polarization to efforts that weaken checks and balances, Lincoln’s words remain a reminder: the survival of our institutions depends not just on laws, but on our collective commitment to uphold them.

As Lincoln suggested, safeguarding democracy begins with each generation’s dedication to legal and constitutional principles. His 1838 speech is not just a historical document—it’s a timeless call to civic responsibility.

Read the full speech here: Lincoln’s Speech to the Young Men’s Lyceum of Springfield 1838.