Originally, the States were the powerful political entities, and the central government a mere agent for certain specific purposes; but, in the development of the Constitution, the nation has naturally become of overshadowing importance, while the States have relatively steadily diminished in power and prestige.
Beck discusses the evolution of power dynamics between the states and the federal government in the United States.
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Without that vision to restrain each succeeding generation of Americans from the tempting excesses of political power, the American Commonwealth, with its great heterogeneous democracy, would probably perish.
That vision will remain with them as long, and no longer, as there is in their hearts a conscious and willing acquiescence in its wisdom and justice.
Its protection should be given to those of superior skill and diligence, who ask the due rewards of such superiority.
It did not believe that the State was omnipotent or infallible, and yet it proclaimed its authority within wise and just limits.
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