"There is hardly a political question in the United States which does not sooner or later turn into a judicial one"
- Alexis de Tocqueville
About this Quote
This quote by Alexis de Tocqueville suggests that the American political system is heavily reliant on the judicial system. He implies that nearly every political concern in the United States eventually ends up being a legal matter, and is hence chosen by the courts. This is likely due to the reality that the United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and any political choice must remain in accordance with the Constitution. Therefore, if a political decision is challenged, it should be decided by the courts in order to ensure that it is constitutional. This quote highlights the value of the judicial system in the United States political system, and how it is frequently the last arbiter of political conflicts.
"If the present Congress errs in too much talking, how can it be otherwise in a body to which the people send one hundred and fifty lawyers, whose trade it is to question everything, yield nothing, and talk by the hour?"