In democratic republics, the power which directs *e society is not stable; for it often changes hands and assumes a new direction.

But whichever way it turns, its force is almost irresistible.

The Governments of the American republics appear to me to be as much centralized as those of the absolute monarchies of Europe, and more energetic than they are.

I do not, therefore, imagine that they will perish from weakness.

*f [Footnote e: This power may be centred in an assembly, in which case it will be strong without being stable; or it may be centred in an individual, in which case it will be less strong, but more stable.] [Footnote f: I presume that it is scarcely necessary to remind the reader here, as well as throughout the remainder of this chapter, that I am speaking, not of the Federal Government, but of the several governments of each State, which the majority controls at its pleasure.] If ever the free institutions of America are destroyed, that event may be attributed to the unlimited authority of the majority, which may at some future time urge the minorities to desperation, and oblige them to have recourse to physical force.