On the record
The Constitution was the reflex action of two opposing tendencies, the one the imperative need of an efficient central government, and the other the passionate attachment to local self-rule.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Beck identifies the dual pressures of needing a strong central government and a commitment to local self-rule as key influences on the Constitution's creation.
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In any study of a World Constitution, the example of those who framed the American Constitution can be studied with profit.
I confess that there are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them.
Again the words of Washington suggest themselves: "If, to please the people, we offer what we ourselves disapprove, how can we afterwards defend our work?
This is as it should be, for--for better or worse--England and America will play together a great part in the future history of the world.
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