The aspect of American society is animated, because men and things are always changing; but it is monotonous, because all the changes are alike.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
When, after having examined in detail the organization of the Supreme Court, one comes to consider in sum the prerogatives that have been given it, one discovers without difficulty that a more immense judicial power has never been constituted in any people.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the unparalleled judicial power of the Supreme Court as observed by Alexis De Tocqueville.
Alexis De Tocqueville reflects on the extensive authority of the Supreme Court, suggesting that its powers are unmatched in any other society. This observation points to both the significance of judicial review in shaping laws and the potential impact such concentrated power can have on a nation’s governance and citizens' rights.
Themes
Supreme CourtJudicial PowerLawGovernanceAuthority
In practice
Example use cases
Citing Tocqueville’s observation during a discussion on the balance of power in government.
More from Alexis De Tocqueville
All quotes →Democratic communities have a natural taste for freedom: left to themselves they will seek it, cherish it, and view any deprivation of it with regret. But for equality their passion is ardent, insatiable, incessant, invincible: they call for equality in freedom; and if they cannot obtain that, they still call for equality in slavery.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
Religion, which never intervenes directly in the government of American society, should therefore be considered as the first of their political institutions
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The surface of American society is covered with a layer of democratic paint, but from time to time one can see the old aristocratic colours breaking through.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
Grant me thirty years of equal division of inheritances and a free press, and I will provide you with a republic.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
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