1835 Quote by Alexis de Tocqueville
““In examining the division of powers, as established by the Federal Constitution, remarking on the one hand the portion of sovereignty which has been reserved to the several States, and on the other, the share of power which has been given to the Union, it is evident that the Federal legislators entertained very clear and accurate notions respecting the centralization of government. The United States form not only a republic, but a confederation; yet the national authority is more centralized there than it was in several of the absolute monarchies of Europe…””
About This Quote
Source Book: Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville, 1835
Tocqueville observes that the U.S. balances state sovereignty with a strong central government, more centralized than many European monarchies.
In simple terms: The US mixes state power with strong national control.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both local autonomy and national unity.
Themes
federalism
government
political theory
history
balance
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- constitutional design
- policy analysis
- civic education
- international relations
- public administration
Key Concepts
centralization
sovereignty
confederation
republic
comparative politics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does federalism affect modern governance?
- What tensions arise between state and federal power?
A Different Perspective
Tocqueville may understate regional resistance to central authority.
![“To make us one nation as to foreign concerns, and keep us distinct in Domestic ones gives the outline of the proper division of powers between the general [national] and particular [state] governments.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6cf/thomas-jefferson-43_4th-of-july_to-make-us-one-nation-as-to-foreign-conc_761448.jpg)
![“[Patriotism] is in itself a kind of religion: it does not reason, but it acts from the impulse of faith and sentiment.” quote by Alexis de Tocqueville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1fc/alexis-de-tocqueville-625_1835_patriotism-is-in-itself-a-kind-of-religi_2333978.jpg)
![“The chief care of the legislators [in the colonies of New England] was the maintenance of orderly conduct and good morals in the community: thus they constantly invaded the domain of conscience, and there was scarcely a sin which was no subject to magisterial censure. The reader is aware of the…” quote by Alexis de Tocqueville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/36c/alexis-de-tocqueville-625_1660_the-chief-care-of-the-legislators-in-the_1154449.jpg)
