What theory did Daniel Webster advocate regarding sovereignty?

Daniel Webster is best known for his profound belief in the supremacy of the federal government over individual states. His metaphor of sovereignty being like a "rope of sand" suggests that the power held by states is inherently weak and unstable without a strong federal authority to unify and maintain order. This reflects his view that a loose confederation of states—like a rope made of sand—would lead to disorder and the inability to effectively govern.

Webster argued that for a nation to function cohesively, the federal government must have the authority necessary to regulate issues that affect the nation as a whole, such as commerce and foreign relations. His perspective underscored the importance of a strong national identity and the need for a centralized authority to provide stability and prevent the fragmentation of the states.

The other options highlight different perspectives on sovereignty, like the idea of states having ultimate control or being united in a strong bond, but they do not capture Webster's emphasis on federal supremacy and the vulnerabilities associated with state sovereignty.