“We may define a republic to be … a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people, and is administered by persons holding their offices during pleasure for a limited period, or during good behavior.“

“It will not be denied that power is of an encroaching nature and that it ought to be effectually restrained from passing the limits assigned to it“

”Independence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good.”

”Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms, those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny”

“It will not be denied that power is of an encroaching nature and that it ought to be effectually restrained from passing the limits assigned to it.“

“There never was a democracy yet, that did not commit suicide. It is in vain to say that democracy is less vain, less proud, less selfish, less ambitious, or less avaricious than aristocracy or monarchy.“

”For as in absolute governments the King is law, so in free countries the law ought to be king; and there ought to be no other.”

“Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.“

“A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one.“

“Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.“

“There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily.“

“A fondness for power is implanted, in most men, and it is natural to abuse it when acquired.“

“To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.“

“The essence of government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.“

“Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes“

“You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make good use of it.“

”We have it in our power to begin the world over again.”

”Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.”

“Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people, who have a right, from the frame of their nature, to knowledge...“