Authority Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“It may safely be received as an axiom in our political system, that the state governments will in all possible contingencies afford complete security against invasions of the public liberty by the national authority.”
About This Quote
Source Document: The Federalist Papers, No. 31, 1788
The state governments are expected to protect citizens from any overreach by the federal government.
In simple terms: States guard liberty against national overreach.
Key Takeaway
Ensure state vigilance over federal power.
Themes
government
liberty
federalism
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- state legislation
- court challenges
- citizen activism
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
checks and balances
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can states effectively limit federal overreach?
- When should national authority intervene?
A Different Perspective
State protections can be limited by national emergencies or judicial rulings.
![“[W]ar is a question, under our constitution, not of Executive, but of Legislative cognizance. It belongs to Congress to say whether the Nation shall of choice dismiss the olive branch and unfurl the banners of War.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd8/alexander-hamilton-619_banner_w-ar-is-a-question-under-our-constitutio_33383.jpg)
![“It is one thing to be subordinate to the laws, and another [for the Executive] to be dependent on the legislative body. The first comports with, the last violates, the fundamental principles of good government; and, whatever may be the forms of the Constitution, unites all power in the same hands.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be4/alexander-hamilton-619_body_it-is-one-thing-to-be-subordinate-to-the_129196.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)