James WilsonJames Wilson, (1742-1798) Member of Continental Congress, signed Declaration of Independence; U.S. Supreme Court Justice and delegate from Pennsylvania

James Wilson Quote

“The thirteen States are thirteen Sovereignties.”

James WilsonJames Wilson
~ James Wilson

Commentaries on the Constitution, Vol. III, p 287

Ratings and Comments


Me Again
  • 3
  • Reply
    Me Again    7/9/08

    Yes. From my understanding anyway. For what that's worth.

    Mike, Norwalk

    Yep, I guess he'd know.

    E Archer, NYC

    It was common knowledge, and the only way the compact known as the Constitution for the United States of America could have even been chartered. The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of 1798 also reaffirmed this fact.

    A.Jurgensen, Stuart, FL

    Yes, the 13 states were (at first) sovereignties but that was only until the founders figured that there couldn't be 13 different variations on dealing with other nations or issuing coinage, etc. There had to be a central government and Alexander Hamilton was prime mover of this philosophy. His opinion prevailed. The states (all 50 of them) acquiese to the Federal government... The 10th Amendment, like so many of the amendments is open to discussion depending on the topic. More and more states rights are overidden by the Federal gov't.

    HELEN, FOLSOM

    HOW MANY GOVERNORS KNOW THIS????
    THINGS COULD BE DIFFERENT IF TRUE AMERICANS WERE GOVERNORS!

    Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

    The divided States of America? 

    Poorgrandchildren, Birmingham, AL

    But, the DC Supremes usurped the power to be the sole arbiter of the contract and Union forces stomped out an attempt to secede, so the states aren't exactly sovereignties anymore.

    E Archer, NYC

    The People need only to reassert their sovereignty ... and throw off the private Federal Reserve System that holds every state in indentured servitude.

    True for the Canadian provinces as well.  All were established as sovereign commonwealths with gold as currency.  Quebec still has a National Assembly, always has.  The Crown still lays claim to the USA as well, that doesn't make it so...

    @

    Get a Quote-a-Day!

    Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box daily.