Amity Quote by James Madison
“It is superfluous to try by the standards of theory, a part of the constitution which is allowed on all hands to be the result not of theory, but "of a spirit of amity, and that mutual deference and concession which the peculiarity of our political situation rendered indispensable" . . . the equal vote allowed to each state, is at once a constitutional recognition of the portion of sovereignty remaining in the individual states, and an instrument for preserving that residuary sovereignty.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Federalist Papers, No. 39, 1788
Madison argues that the Constitution balances national and state sovereignty, preserving state power while uniting the nation.
In simple terms: The Constitution keeps both national and state power balanced.
Key Takeaway
Respect both national and state authorities.
Themes
federalism
sovereignty
balance
political theory
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
political
legal
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- intergovernmental negotiations
- judicial review
- policy formation
Key Concepts
constitutional law
political philosophy
states rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How should modern states navigate federal versus state authority?
- What mechanisms ensure state sovereignty without undermining national unity?
A Different Perspective
Balancing power can be complex and contentious.
![“The invisible government [bosses] is malign. But the evil doesn't come from the fact that it plays horse with the Newtonian theory of the constitution. What is dangerous about it is that we do not see it, cannot use it, and are compelled to submit to it.” quote by Walter Lippmann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bb2/walter-lippmann-1083_boss_the-invisible-government-bosses-is-malig_2294574.jpg)
![“It is certain that every class is interested in [educational] establishments which give to the human mind its highest improvements, and to every Country its truest and most durable celebrity.” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/964/james-madison-373_certain_it-is-certain-that-every-class-is-intere_22217.jpg)
