"A state too expensive in itself, or by virtue of its dependencies, ultimately falls into decay; its free government is transformed into a tyranny; it disregards the principles which it should preserve, and finally degenerates into despotism. The distinguishing characteristic of small republics is stability: the character of large republics is mutability"

This quote by Simon Bolivar speaks to the importance of financial duty and the threats of overspending. Bolivar is alerting that when a state ends up being too costly, either through its own spending or through its dependences, it will eventually fall into decay. He suggests that free governments can be changed into tyrannies if they do not abide by the principles they must be preserving. Bolivar also notes that small republics are more stable than big republics, which are more vulnerable to change. This quote works as a reminder that federal governments need to bear in mind their costs and stay real to their concepts in order to remain strong and steady.