Cases Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“With respect to our State and federal governments, I do not think their relations correctly understood by foreigners. They generally suppose the former subordinate to the latter. But this is not the case. They are co-ordinate departments of one simple and integral whole.”
About This Quote
Source Letter to James Madison, 1795
State and federal governments are equal partners, not a hierarchy, forming a unified whole.
In simple terms: Governments are co‑equal parts of one system.
Respect the balance of governmental powers.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- civic education
- intergovernmental relations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens ensure cooperation?
- What mechanisms maintain balance?
Power struggles can still arise despite formal equality.