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Quote by John Dickinson

“The power of the people pervading the proposed system, together with the strong confederation of the states, will form an adequate security against every danger that has been apprehended.”

Book:The Political Writings of John Dickinson, Esquire: Late President of the State of Delaware, and of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Work

The Political Writings of John Dickinson, Esquire: Late President of the State of Delaware, and of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The Political Writings of John Dickinson, Esquire is a compilation of the political essays and correspondence of John Dickinson, a prominent figure in the early American colonies. Dickinson, known for his eloquence and influence, wrote extensively on issues such as colonial autonomy, the relationship between the colonies and the British government, and the principles of constitutional governance. The volume offers insight into the political thought and actions of Dickinson, who played a significant role in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. more

Author

John Dickinson

John Dickinson, a prominent statesman, lawyer, and writer during the American Revolutionary War, was born on November 2, 1732, and died on February 14, 1808. He was one of the drafters of the United States Constitution and served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, making significant contributions to the development of the early American political and legal system. more

“The proposed constitution, therefore, even when tested by the rules laid down by its antagonists, is, in strictness, neither a national nor a federal constitution; but a composition of both. In its foundation it is federal, not national; in the sources from which the ordinary powers of the government are drawn, it is partly federal, and partly national; in the operation of these powers, it is national, not federal; in the extent of them again, it is federal, not national; and finally, in the authoritative mode of introducing amendments, it is neither wholly federal, nor wholly national.”

Government Source Ordinary Constitution Foundation Operations Amendments Introducing Composition Tested Antagonist Federalism

Book:The Federalist, on the New Constitution, Written in the Year 1788

Source: The Federalist, on the New Constitution, Written in the Year 1788

“In this relation, then, the proposed government cannot be deemed a national one; since its jurisdiction extends to certain enumerated objects only, and leaves to the several states, a residuary and inviolable sovereignty over all other objects.”

States Government Certain Objects Relation Sovereignty Jurisdiction Federalism General Welfare Nullification

Book:The Federalist, on the New Constitution, Written in the Year 1788

Source: The Federalist, on the New Constitution, Written in the Year 1788

“We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles . The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, (as in electing their functionaries executive and legislative, and deciding by a jury of themselves, in all judiciary cases in which any fact is involved,) or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.”