Among the popular and representative systems of government I do not approve of the federal system: it is too perfect; and it requires virtues and political talents much superior to our own.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Bolivar rejects federalism because it demands too much virtue from citizens.
- In plain terms
- He thinks federal systems are too perfect for his country's current level of virtue.
- What can you take from it?
- Government must match the people's capacity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can systems be too perfect for a people?
Another view
Federalism can work with gradual education.
More from Simon Bolivar
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