Skip to content

With respect to our State and federal governments, I do…

“With respect to our State and federal governments, I do not think their relations correctly understood by foreigners. They generally suppose the former subordinate to the latter. But this is not the case. They are co-ordinate departments of one simple and integral whole.” quote by Thomas Jefferson
Download Open image
“With respect to our State and federal governments, I do not think their relations correctly understood by foreigners. They generally suppose the former subordinate to the latter. But this is not the case. They are co-ordinate departments of one simple and integral whole.”

Thomas Jefferson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

State and federal governments are equal partners, not a hierarchy, forming a unified whole.

In simple terms: Governments are co‑equal parts of one system.

Key Takeaway

Respect the balance of governmental powers.

Themes

government federalism unity

Mood

analytical educational

Type

historical political

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • civic education
  • intergovernmental relations

Key Concepts

constitutional design political theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can citizens ensure cooperation?
  • What mechanisms maintain balance?
A Different Perspective

Power struggles can still arise despite formal equality.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Thomas Jefferson

Explore all 2,098 Thomas Jefferson quotes

More Cases quotes

Browse all 6,420 Cases quotes