Barriers Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“It is important to strengthen the State governments; and as this cannot be done by any change in the Federal Constitution (for the preservation of that is all we need contend for), it must be done by the States themselves, erecting such barriers at the constitutional line as cannot be surmounted either by themselves or by the General Government. The only barrier in their power is a wise government. A weak one will lose ground in every contest.”
About This Quote
Source Writing: Letter to James Madison, 1796
Strong state governments are essential; they must protect themselves with wise leadership, not rely on federal changes.
In simple terms: States need wise leadership to stay strong.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate wise state leadership.
Themes
government
state power
leadership
federalism
political theory
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative reform
- state policy design
- public administration
- intergovernmental relations
Key Concepts
constitutional law
political philosophy
state sovereignty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can states foster wise leadership?
- What barriers can states build against federal overreach?
A Different Perspective
Weak leadership can undermine state strength despite structural barriers.
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![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
