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Community Quote by John C. Calhoun

“It is federal, because it is the government of States united in a political union, in contradistinction to a government of individuals, that is, by what is usually called, a social compact. To express it more concisely, it is federal and not national because it is the government of a community of…” quote by John C. Calhoun
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“It is federal, because it is the government of States united in a political union, in contradistinction to a government of individuals, that is, by what is usually called, a social compact. To express it more concisely, it is federal and not national because it is the government of a community of States, and not the government of a single State or Nation.”

John C. Calhoun

About This Quote

Source Treat: "The American Republic" by John C. Calhoun, 1851

Federalism means power is shared among multiple states within a union, rather than concentrated in a single nation‑state.

In simple terms: Power is divided among states, not centralized.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the importance of state autonomy within a union.

Themes

government politics federalism states union

Mood

analytical reflective

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • Constitutional design
  • interstate cooperation
  • policy making
  • national debates

Key Concepts

Sovereignty shared authority political theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does state autonomy affect national policy?
  • When should federal authority override state decisions?
A Different Perspective

May overlook the need for national cohesion and common standards.

2.2 out of 5 (3 ratings)

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