Constituents Quote by Joseph Story
“In the next place, the state governments are, by the very theory of the constitution, essential constituent parts of the general government. They can exist without the latter, but the latter cannot exist without them.”
About This Quote
Source Legal Treatise: Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833
State governments are fundamental components of the federal system; the union cannot function without them.
In simple terms: States are essential to the union.
Key Takeaway
Support strong state‑federal balance.
Themes
federalism
government structure
states
Mood
analytical
formal
Type
legal
political
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- civic education
- state legislation
- intergovernmental relations
Key Concepts
political theory
constitutional law
Questions to Reflect On
- How do states contribute to national stability?
- What challenges arise from state‑federal interdependence?
A Different Perspective
Tension can arise over power distribution.
![“At the time of the adoption of the constitution, and of the amendment to it, now under consideration [i.e., the First Amendment], the general, if not the universal sentiment in America was, that Christianity ought to receive encouragement from the state, so far as was not incompatible with the…” quote by Joseph Story](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ef2/joseph-story-11919_adoption_at-the-time-of-the-adoption-of-the-const_282131.jpg)
![“[I]t is impossible for those, who believe in the truth of Christianity, as a divine revelation, to doubt, that it is the especial duty of government to foster, and encourage it among all the citizens and subjects. This is a point wholly distinct from that of the right of private judgment in…” quote by Joseph Story](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c4/joseph-story-11919_believe_i-t-is-impossible-for-those-who-believe_635340.jpg)
![“So [Republicans] packed all the Democrats into districts, very Democratic districts. What that's done is made our party urban, more liberal, and so those people are doing what their constituents want. But that's not what my constituents want.” quote by Collin Peterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b8b/collin-peterson-19338_constituents_so-republicans-packed-all-the-democrats_55271.jpg)
