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The several states composing the United States of America are not united on the principle of unlimited submission to their general government
Thomas Jefferson
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of balance between state and federal authority.

Thomas Jefferson's quote reflects his belief that the individual states within the United States should not be entirely submissive to the federal government. Instead, there should be a balance where states have the power to govern themselves and protect their rights without being overridden by a central authority, highlighting the principles of autonomy and federalism.

Themes

FederalismStatesGovernmentAutonomyPrinciple

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about state rights, you might reference this quote to highlight the need for autonomy.

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The firmness with which the (American) people have withstood the... abuses of the press, the discernment they have manifested between truth and falsehood, show that they may safely be trusted to hear everything true and false and to form a correct judgment between them.
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Very many and very meritorious were the worthy patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting vigilance.
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A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society.
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Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
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Quote by Thomas Jefferson | QuoteProject