Question

What political principle is the “sheet anchor of American republicanism”?

Answer 1

Abraham Lincoln called this “the leading principle – the sheet anchor of American republicanism.” This principle requires that civil government exercise only those powers which are specifically granted and is found throughout the Constitution. :)

Answer 2

Abraham Lincoln used this phrase when he exposed his thoughts against slavery. For him, “No man is good enough to govern another man, without that other's consent. I say this is the leading principle--the sheet anchor of American republicanism."

This means that Americans gave the founding fathers the power to create a Constitution and a government, which means that the civil government can exercise the powers that are granted by the Constitution.