4th of july Quote by Thomas Jefferson
![“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)
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Document: The Federalist Papers, No. 23, 1787
Jefferson describes the proper balance of power between national and state governments, emphasizing distinct roles for foreign and domestic issues.
In simple terms: National handles foreign, states handle domestic matters.
Key Takeaway
Maintain clear separation of powers.
Themes
federalism
government
separation of powers
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- policy analysis
- civic education
Key Concepts
political theory
constitutional law
Questions to Reflect On
- How should modern issues be allocated between federal and state levels?
- What risks arise from overlapping authority?
A Different Perspective
Balancing authority can be politically contentious.
![“A free people [claim] their rights as derived from the laws of nature, and not as the gift of their chief magistrate.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a2/thomas-jefferson-43_4th-of-july_a-free-people-claim-their-rights-as-deri_1508457.jpg)
![“[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch of the same government.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/thomas-jefferson-43_branches_states-and-the-federal-government-are-co_2619.jpg)
![“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)
