"The path we have chosen is constitutional"

John Ashcroft's quote recommends that the path he and his coworkers have picked is one that is in line with the United States Constitution. This implies that the choices they have made are ones that are supported by the laws of the country and are not in offense of any of the rights and liberties laid out in the Constitution. This quote is likely a reference to the decisions made by the federal government in regards to civil liberties and national security in the wake of the September 11th attacks. Ashcroft's quote is a suggestion that the federal government is dedicated to supporting the Constitution and safeguarding the rights of its residents, even in times of crisis. It is a reminder that the federal government is liable to individuals which it need to always act in accordance with the unwritten laws.