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
The Union was formed by the voluntary agreement of the States; and these, in uniting together, have not forfeited their Nationality, nor have they been reduced to the condition of one and the same people. If one of the States chose to withdraw its name from the contract, it would be difficult to disprove its right of doing so.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the voluntary nature of the states' agreement to form a union and their retained individuality.
Alexis De Tocqueville's quote reflects on the nature of the union among states in the context of their independence and individuality. It suggests that the states came together out of choice and maintain their distinct identities within the union. The notion that a state can withdraw from this contract points to the complex dynamics of unity and sovereignty, highlighting that the agreement to form a union was not a loss of their national character but rather a cooperative endeavor that respects their individuality.
Themes
UnionStatesNationalityVoluntaryIndividuality
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about federalism and states' rights.
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.
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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.
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The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing.
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Grant me thirty years of equal division of inheritances and a free press, and I will provide you with a republic.
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