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Quotes by Founder:
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Edmund Randolph (1)
Elbridge Gerry (1)
Elias Boudinot, LL.D. (1)
Fisher Ames (4)
Francis Bacon (2)
George Berkeley (1)
George Mason (6)
George Washington (48)
Gouverneur Morris (4)
James Iredell (4)
James Madison (39)
James Monroe (9)
James Otis (2)
James Wilson (6)
Jean Jacques Rousseau (2)
John Adams (38)
John Barnard (1)
John Dickinson (2)
John Hancock (1)
John Howard Paine (1)
John Jay (5)
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John Locke (1)
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Nathanael Greene (2)
Noah Webster (8)
Oliver Ellsworth (1)
Patrick Henry (7)
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William Penn (28)
William Pierce (1)
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Zephaniah Swift (1)
Your search for "
power of the people
" returned 100 results from 32 Founders.
James Iredell:
"The only real security
of
liberty, in any country, is
the
jealousy and circumspection
of
the
people
themselves. Let them be watchful over their rulers. Should they find a combination against their liberties, and all other methods appear insufficient to preserve them, they have, thank God, an ultimate remedy. That
power
which created
the
government can destroy it. Should
the
government, on trial, be found to want amendments, those amendments can be made in a regular method, in a mode prescribed by
the
Constitution itself [...]. We have [this] watchfulness
of
the
people
, which I hope will never be found wanting."
source: Elliot, 4:130
amendment
,
constitutional convention
,
secret combination
,
retention
of
liberties
,
power
of
the
people
Noah Webster:
"Before a standing army can rule,
the
people
must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom
of
Europe. The supreme
power
in America cannot enforce unjust laws by
the
sword; because
the
whole body
of
the
people
are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band
of
regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in
the
United States."
source: An Examination of the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution.
arms
,
the right to bear arms
,
weapons
,
defense
,
power
of
the
people
George Washington:
"For heaven's sake, who are Congress? Are they not
the
creatures
of
the
people
, amenable to them for their conduct and dependent from day to day on their breath?"
source: To William Gordon, July 8, 1783
role
of
congressmen
,
power
of
people
,
congressional responsibility
James Madison:
"Democracies have ever been spectacles
of
turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or
the
rights
of
property; an have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths. Theoretic politicians, who have patronized this species
of
government, have erroneously supposed that by reducing mankind to a perfect equality in their political rights, they would at
the
same time be perfectly equalized and assimilated in their possessions, their opinions, and their passions."
source: Federalist Papers, No. 10
government restraint
,
equality
,
disposition
of
people
in power
James Madison:
"I believe there are more instances
of
the
abridgment
of
the
freedom
of
the
people
by gradual and silent encroachments
of
those in
power
, than by violent and sudden usurpation [...]. This danger ought to be wisely guarded against. "
source: Elliot, Debates in the State Conventions, 3:87.
corruption
,
loss
of
power
,
subversion
,
conspiracy
Benjamin Church:
"Breach
of
trust in a governor, or attempting to enlarge a limited
power
, effectually absolves subjects from every bond
of
covenant and peace;
the
crimes acted by a king against
the
people
are
the
highest treason against
the
highest law among men."
source: Boston Massacre Oration, March 5, 1773.
trust
,
kings
,
aristocrats
,
power
,
classes
Samuel Adams:
"The true patriot therefore, will enquire into
the
causes
of
the
fears and jealousies
of
his countrymen; and if he finds they are not groundless, he will be far from endeavoring to allay or stifle them: On
the
contrary, constrain'd by
the
Amor Patriae and from public views, he will by all proper means in his
power
foment and cherish them: He will, as far as he is able, keep
the
attention
of
this fellow citizens awake to their grievances; and not suffer them to be at rest, till
the
causes
of
their just complaints are removed. --At such a time Philanthrop's Patriot [a King's man] may be "very cautious
of
charging
the
want
of
ability or integrity to those with whom any
of
the
powers
of
government are entrusted": But
the
true patriot, will constantly be jealous
of
those very men: Knowing that
power
, especially in times
of
corruption, makes men wanton; that it intoxicates
the
mind; and unless those with whom it is entrusted, are carefully watched, such is
the
weakness or
the
perverseness
of
human nature, they will be apt to domineer over
the
people
, instead
of
governing them, according to
the
known laws
of
the
state, to which alone they have submitted. If he finds, upon
the
best enquiry,
the
want
of
ability or integrity; that is, an ignorance
of
, or a disposition to depart from,
the
constitution, which is
the
measure and rule
of
government & submission, he will point them out, and loudly proclaim them: He will stir up
the
people
, incessantly to complain
of
such men, till they are either reform'd, or remov'd from that sacred trust, which it is dangerous for them any longer to hold. "
source: Essay in the Boston Gazette, 1771.
patriotism
,
truth
,
corruption
,
power
,
power
of
free speech
,
removal from office
George Mason:
"The
people
will be represented; they ought therefore to choose
the
representatives. The requisites in actual representation are that
the
representatives should sympathize with their constituents; should think as they think, and feel as they feel; and that for these purposes should even be residents among them."
source: Ibid., p. 63.
election
,
qualifications
of
representatives
,
connection to people
Andrew Hamilton:
"We ought at
the
same time to be upon our guard against Power, wherever we apprehend that it may affect ourselves or our Fellow-Subjects. ... Power may be justly compared to a great river which, while kept within its due bounds is both beautiful and useful; but when it overflows its banks, is then too impetuous to be stemmed, it bears down all before it and brings destruction and desolation wherever it goes. If this then is
the
nature
of
power
, let us at least do our duty, and likewise men use our utmost care to support liberty,
the
only bulwark against lawless
power
."
source: Defense of Peter Zenger, 1735.
power
,
authority
,
liberty
,
freedom
,
oppression
John Barnard:
"For one person alone to have
the
Government
of
a
people
in his hands, would be too great a Temptation. It tends to excite and draw forth
the
Pride
of
man, to make him insufferably haughty; it gives him too much liberty to exert his corruptions and it encourages him to become a Tyrant and an oppressor, to dispense with Laws and break
the
most solemn oaths."
source: The Presence of Great God in the Assembly of Political Rulers, 1746.
power
,
tyranny
,
oppression
,
liberty
,
freedom
,
balance
of
powers
John Adams:
"The jaws
of
power
are always open to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible, to destroy
the
freedom
of
thinking, speaking, and writing."
source: "Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law" 1765.
power
,
corruption
,
freedom
Abigail Adams:
"I am more and more convinced that man is a dangerous creature and that
power
, whether vested in many or a few, is ever grasping, and like
the
grave cries, "Give, Give."
source: Letter to John Adams, November 27, 1775.
power
,
authority
,
freedom
,
corruption
,
control
James Madison:
"All men having
power
ought to be distrusted to a certain degree."
source: Speech to the Constitutional Convention, July 11, 1787.
power
,
trust
,
authority
,
balance
of
power
,
corruption
,
deals
James Madison:
"No axiom is more clearly established in law, or in reason, than that wherever
the
end is required,
the
means are authorized; whenever a general
power
to do a thing is given, every particular
power
necessary for doing it, is included."
source: The Federalist Papers, 1788.
power
,
authority
,
law
,
means to an end
,
the end justifies
the
means
James Madison:
"The accumulation
of
all
power
, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in
the
same hands, whether
of
one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced
the
very definition
of
tyranny."
source: The Federalist Papers, 1788.
power
,
balance
of
power
,
wealth
,
tryanny
,
virtue
Samuel Adams:
"[N]either
the
wisest constitution nor
the
wisest laws will secure
the
liberty and happiness
of
a
people
whose manners are universally corrupt."
source: Essay in "The Public Advertiser", 1749
corruption
,
tendency
of
man
,
security
,
justice
,
requirement
of
free people
James Madison:
"The President is made too dependent already on
the
legislature by
the
power
of
one branch to try him in consequence
of
an impeachment by
the
other. This intermediate suspension will put him in
the
power
of
one branch only. They can at any moment, in order to make way for
the
functions
of
another who will be more favorable to their views, vote a temporary removal
of
the
existing magistrate."
source: Madison, p. 561
impeachment
,
corruption
,
balance
of
power
Thomas Jefferson:
"The two enemies
of
the
people
are criminals and
the
government, so let us tie
the
second down with
the
chains
of
the
Constitution so
the
second will not become
the
legalized version
of
the
first."
source: Reference needed
limited power
,
constitution
,
abuse
of
power
Noah Webster:
"But while property is considered as
the
basis
of
the
freedom
of
the
American yeomanry, there are other auxiliary supports; among which is
the
information
of
the
people
. In no country, is education so general--in no country, have
the
body
of
the
people
such a knowledge
of
the
rights
of
men and
the
principles
of
government. This knowledge, joined with a keep sense
of
liberty and a watchful jealousy, will guard our constitutions, and awaken
the
people
to an instantaneous resistance
of
encroachments. "
source: "an Examination into the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution" October 17, 1787.
education
,
knowledge
,
power
,
freedom
,
rights
,
balance
of
power
,
watchdogs
Alexander Hamilton:
"The fabric
of
American empire ought to rest on
the
solid basis
of
the
consent
of
the
people
. The streams
of
national
power
ought to flow immediately from that pure, original fountain
of
all legitimate authority."
source: Federalist Papers, No. 22, p.152.
source
of
power
,
right to authority
Samuel Adams:
"Nothing is more essential to
the
establishment
of
manners in a State than that all persons employed in places
of
power
and trust must be men
of
unexceptionable characters."
source: To James Warren, 1775
character
,
manners
,
representatives
,
power
,
trustworthiness
Thomas Jefferson:
"Modern times have
the
signal advantage...of having discovered
the
only device by which [man's equal] rights can be secured, to wit: government by
the
people
, acting not in person but by representatives chosen by themselves, that is to say, by every man
of
ripe years and sane mind who either contributes by his purse or person to
the
support
of
his country."
source: Bergh, 15:482
people control government
,
patriotism
,
country support
James Madison:
"Who are to be
the
electors
of
the
federal representatives? Not
the
rich, more than
the
poor; not
the
learned, more than
the
ignorant; not
the
haughty heirs
of
distinguished names, more than
the
humble sons
of
obscurity and unpropitious fortune. The electors are to be
the
great body
of
the
people
of
the
United States. They are to be
the
same who exercise
the
right in every State
of
electing
the
corresponding branch
of
the
legislature
of
the
State."
source: Federalist Papers, No. 57
vote
,
voting rights
,
people elect government
Benjamin Franklin:
"Think what you do when you run in debt; you give to another
power
over your liberty."
source: n/a
national debt
,
transfer
of
power
,
bondage
of
debt
,
savings
,
money
George Mason:
"That all
power
is vested in, and consequently derived from,
the
people
; that magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times amenable to them."
source: The Virginia Bill of Rights, June 12, 1776.
power
of
congress
,
accountability
of
government
Benjamin Franklin:
"It was always
of
importance that
the
people
should know who had disposed
of
their money, and how it had been disposed
of
. It was a maxim that those who feel can best judge. This end would, he thought, be best attained if money affairs were to be confined to
the
immediate representatives
of
the
people
."
source: Madison, p. 218
financial responsibility
,
House
of
Representatives
,
importance
of
representation
of
the
people
George Washington:
"The
power
under
the
Constitution will always be with
the
people
. It is entrusted for certain purposes and for a limited period, to representatives
of
their own choosing; and whenever it is executed contrary to their interests, or not agreeable to their wishes, their servants can and undoubtedly will be recalled."
source: From The Great Prologue by Mark E. Petersen, 1975 Deseret Book Company (In a letter to Henry Knox from Philadelphia dated October 15, 1787)
recall
,
unconstitutional
,
elected servants
,
power
,
constitution
,
trust
,
representatives
George Mason:
"From
the
nature
of
man, we may be sure that those who have
power
in their hands will not give it up while they can retain it. On
the
contrary, we know that they will always, when they can, rather increase it."
source: Madison, p.232
power
,
corruption
,
maintaining power
,
tendency
of
man
,
dominance
,
hypocricy
Thomas Jefferson:
"I consider
the
people
who constitute a society or nation as
the
source
of
all authority in that nation."
source: Bergh, 3:227
true authority
,
people governement
Thomas Jefferson:
"I know no safe depository
of
the
ultimate powers
of
the
society but
the
people
themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion,
the
remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. This is
the
true corrective
of
abuses
of
constitution
power
."
source: Bergh, 15:278
saftey
,
education
,
people government
,
abuse
of
powers
Thomas Jefferson:
"We owe every other sacrifice to ourselves, to our federal brethren, and to
the
world at large to pursue with temper and perseverance
the
great experiment which shall prove that man is capable
of
living in [a] society governing itself by laws self-imposed, and securing to its members
the
enjoyment
of
life, liberty, property, and peace; and further, to show that even when
the
government
of
its choice shall manifest a tendency to degeneracy, we are not at once to despair, but that
the
will and
the
watchfulness
of
its sounder parts will reform its aberrations, recall it to original and legitimate principles, and restrain it within
the
rightful limits
of
self-government."
source: Berg, 17:445
government restraint
,
restoration
,
corruption
,
duty
of
the
people
Thomas Jefferson:
"All authority belongs to
the
people
."
source: Ford, 10:190
ture authority
,
people government
,
authority holder
William Goudy:
"I am jealous and suspicious
of
the
liberties
of
mankind [...] Suspicions in small communities, are a pest to mankind, but in a matter
of
this magnitude, which concerns
the
interest
of
millions yet unborn, suspicion is a very noble virtue."
source: Ibid., p. 93
suspicion
,
generations to come
,
power
of
leaders
,
checks and balances
John Adams:
"When public virtue is gone, when
the
national spirit is fled [...]
the
republic is lost in essence, though it may still exist in form."
source: To Benjamin Rush, 1808.
virtue and freedom
,
requirements
of
a free people
,
American government prerequistes
Samuel Adams:
"I thank God that I have lived to see my country independent and free. She may long enjoy her independence and freedom if she will. It depends on her virtue."
source: Wells, Life of Samuel Adams, 3:175
virtue and freedom
,
choice
,
requirements
of
a free people
John Adams:
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious
people
. It is wholly inadequate to
the
government
of
any other."
source: Quotes in John R. Howe, Jr., The Changing Political Thought of John Adams [Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1966], p.189
morality
,
requirements
of
a free people
,
necessity
of
virtue
,
functionality
of
government
James Iredell:
"The authority over money will do everything. A government cannot be supported without money. Our representatives may at any time compel
the
Senate to agree to a reasonable measure, by withholding supplies till
the
measure is consented to."
source: Ibid., p.129
power
of
House
of
Representatives
,
compromise
,
creation
of
law
James Madison:
"The House
of
Representatives cannot only refuse, but they alone can propose
the
supplies requisite for
the
support
of
government. They, in a word, hold
the
purse."
source: Federalist Papers, No. 58
power
of
House
of
Representatives
,
financial responsibility
Alexander Hamilton:
"We are now forming a republican government. Real liberty is neither found in despotism or
the
extremes
of
democracy, but in moderate governments."
source: Debates of the Federal Convention, June 26, 1787.
republicanism
,
democracy
,
government
,
balance
of
power
,
Thomas Paine:
"America ever is what she thinks herself to be."
source: The Crisis, 1780.
America
,
purpose
,
destiny
,
the
power
of
thought
Alexander Hamilton:
"Congress have but one exclusive right in taxation—that
of
duties on imports; certainly, then, their other powers are only concurrent."
source: Elliot, 2:355
tax
,
taxation
,
import
,
imports
,
power to tax
,
powers
of
congress
James Madison:
"In all political societies, different interests and parties arise out
of
the
nature
of
things, and
the
great art
of
politicians lies in making them checks and balances to each other."
source: Article in the National Gazette, January 23, 1792.
political parties
,
interests
,
balance
of
power
Thomas Jefferson:
"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."
source: need to add
big government
,
corruption
,
government power
Thomas Paine:
"We repose an unwise confidence in any government, or in any men, when we invest them officially with too much, or an unnecessary quantity
of
, discretionary
power
; for though we might clearly confide in almost any man
of
the
present age, yet we ought ever to remember that virtue is not hereditary either in
the
office or in
the
persons."
source: "A Serious Address to the People of Pennsylvania" 1778.
power
,
government
,
corruption
,
virtue
Alexander Hamilton:
"Men always love
power
."
source: Constitutional Convention, June 18, 1787.
power
,
love
,
natural man
William Johnson:
"The controversy must be endless whilst gentlemen differ in
the
grounds
of
their arguments; those on one side considering
the
states as districts
of
people
composing one political society; those on
the
other considering them as so many political societies. The fact is that
the
states do exist as political societies, and a government is to be formed for them in their political capacity, as well as for
the
individuals composing them. Does it not seem to follow that if
the
states, as such, are to exist, they must be armed with some
power
of
self-defense?"
source: Ibid,. pp. 182-83.
representation
of
States
,
representatives apportioned to poulation
John Adams:
"There must be a positive passion for
the
public good,
the
public interest, honour,
power
and glory, established in
the
minds
of
people
, or there can be no republication government nor any real liberty: and this public passion must be superior to all private passions. Men must be ready, they must pride themselves and be happy to sacrifice their private pleasures, passions, and interests, nay, their private friendships and dearest connections, when they stand in competition with
the
rights
of
society."
source: To Mercy Warren, 1776.
patriotism
,
passion
,
duty
,
commitment
,
public good
,
pure intentions
,
honor
,
integrity
,
liberty
James Monroe:
"A virtuous
people
may and will confine themselves within
the
limit
of
a strict neutrality, but it is not in their
power
to behold a conflict so vitally important to their neighbors without
the
sensibility and sympathy which naturally belong to such a case."
source: Third annual message to Congress, December 7, 1819.
foreign relations
,
policy
,
war
,
conflict
,
neutrality
John Adams:
"The dignity and stability
of
government in all its branches,
the
morals
of
the
people
, and every blessing
of
society depend so much upon an upright and skillful administration
of
justice, that
the
judicial
power
ought to be distinct from both
the
legislative and executive, and independent upon both, and both should be checks upon that."
source: Thoughts on Government, 1776.
judicial branch
,
legislative branch
,
executive branch
,
government
,
balance
of
powers
James Iredell:
"The
power
of
impeachment is given by this Constitution, to bring great offenders to punishment. It is calculated to bring them to punishment for crimes which it is not easy to describe, but which every one must be convinced is a high crime and misdemeanor against
the
government. This
power
is lodged in those who represent
the
great body
of
the
people
, because
the
occasion for its exercise will arise from acts
of
great injury to
the
community, and
the
objects
of
it may be such as cannot be easily reached by an ordinary tribunal. The trial belongs to
the
Senate, lest an inferior tribunal should be too much awed by so powerful an accuser."
source: Speech in North Carolina Ratifying Convention, July 28, 1788.
impeachment
,
congress
Thomas Jefferson:
"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If
the
American
people
ever allow private banks to control
the
issue
of
their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation,
the
banks and corporations that will grow up around [the banks] will deprive
the
people
of
all property until their children wake-up homeless on
the
continent their fathers conquered. The issuing
power
should be taken from
the
banks and restored to
the
people
, to whom it properly belongs."
source: www.quotationspage.com
banking
,
federal reserve bank
,
banking institutions
,
liberties
,
private banks
,
currency
,
inflation
,
deflation
Samuel Adams:
"But neither
the
wisest consitution nor
the
wisest laws will secure
the
liberty and happiness
of
the
people
whose manners are universally corrupt. He, therefore, is
the
truest friend to liberty
of
his country who tries most to promote its virtue, an who, so far as his
power
and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office
of
power
and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man."
source: Reva Marx Wadsworth. "American Constitution: Made Easy." AMCE. 1991. pg v.
election
,
virtue
,
secure
,
liberty
,
corruption
John Adams:
"I wish to God that
the
people
would be more ambitious to learn."
source: John Adams by David McCullough
learn
Thomas Jefferson:
"Every government degenerates when trusted to
the
rulers
of
the
people
alone. The
people
themselves, therefore, are its only safe depositories. And to render even them safe, their minds must be improved to a certain degree."
source: Ibid. 2:207
liberty
,
trust
,
government
,
education
Thomas Jefferson:
"To inform
the
minds
of
the
people
and to follow their will is
the
chief duty
of
those placed at their head."
source: Ibid., 6:342
education
,
leaders
Archibald MacLaine:
"The gentlemen who framed it were not
the
representatives
of
the
people
; they [...] were delegated by states [...]. They did not think that they were
the
people
, but intended it for
the
people
, at a future day [...]. It was to be submitted by
the
legislatures to
the
people
; so that, when it is adopted, it is
the
act
of
the
people
."
source: Elliot, 4:16
constitution
,
adoption
,
framers
,
ratification
John Adams:
"A constitution founded on these principles introduces knowledge among
the
people
, and inspires them with a conscious dignity becoming freemen; a general emulation takes place, which causes good humor, sociability, good manners, and good morals to be general. That elevation
of
sentiment inspired by such a government, makes
the
common
people
brave and enterprising. That ambition which is inspired by it makes them sober, industrious, and frugal."
source: Thoughts on Government, 1776
principles
,
ambition
,
freemen
Alexander Hamilton:
"It is a truth, which
the
experience
of
ages has attested, that
the
people
are always most in danger when
the
means
of
injuring their rights are in
the
possession
of
those
of
whom they entertain
the
least suspicion."
source: Federalist Papers, No. 25
secret combination
,
corruption
,
loss
of
rights
,
retain freedom
,
watchfulness
Patrick Henry:
"Show me that age and country where
the
rights and liberties
of
the
people
were placed on
the
sole chance
of
their rulers being good men, without a consequent loss
of
liberty! I say that
the
loss
of
that dearest privilege has ever followed, with absolute certainty, every such mad attempt."
source: Elliot, 3:59
loss
of
freedom
,
rights
,
dependency
,
watchfulness
,
checks and balances
,
entrust
George Washington:
"The best we can hope for concerning
the
people
at large is that they be properly armed."
source: right to bear arms
arms
,
guns
Thomas Jefferson:
"No free man shall ever be debarred
the
use
of
arms. The strongest reason for
the
people
to retain
the
right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."
source: need reference
guns
,
arms
,
firearms
John Rutledge:
"The idea
of
restraining
the
right
of
suffrage to
the
freeholders... would create division among
the
people
, and make enemies
of
all those who should be excluded."
source: Ibid
right to vote
,
land owners
Oliver Ellsworth:
"Direct taxation can go but little way towards raising a revenue. To raise money in this way,
people
must be provident; they must be constantly laying up money to answer
the
demands
of
the
collector. But you cannot make
people
thus provident; if you would do anything to purpose you must come in when they are spending, and take a part with them. This does not take away
the
tools
of
a man's business, or
the
necessary utensils
of
this family: It only comes in when he is taking his pleasure, and feels generous."
source: Connecticut Ratifying Convention
method
of
taxing
,
taxes
,
business
,
econmonics
,
taxation on spending
Benjamin Franklin:
"Only a virtuous
people
are capable
of
freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need
of
masters."
source: Smyth, Writings of Benjamin Franklin, 9:569
virtue
,
morality
,
depravity
,
corruption
,
necessity for a virtuous nation
James Madison:
"Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks, no form
of
government, can render us secure. To suppose that any form
of
government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in
the
people
, is a chimerical idea. If there be sufficient virtue and intelligence in
the
community, it will be exercised in
the
selection
of
these men; so that we do not depend upon their virtue, or put confidence in our rulers, but in
the
people
who are to choose them."
source: Quotes in Jonathan Elliot, ed., The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, 5 vols. [Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1901], 3:536-37
virtue
,
morality
,
depravity
,
corruption
,
necessity for a virtuous nation
,
election
of
leaders
,
education
,
dependency
James Wilson:
"After
the
lapse
of
six thousand years since
the
Creation
of
the
world, America now presents
the
first instance
of
a
people
assembled to weigh deliberately and calmly, and to decide leisurely and peaceably, upon
the
form
of
government by which they will bind themselves and their posterity."
source: Speech on proposed Federal Constitution, November 24, 1787.
formation
of
constitution
,
framers
,
miracle
of
america
Alexander Hamilton:
"A constitution cannot set bounds to a nation's wants; it ought not, therefore, to set bounds to its resources. Unexpected invasions, long and ruinous wars, may demand all
the
possible abilities
of
the
country. Shall not your government have
power
to call these abilities into action? The contingencies
of
society are not reducible to calculations. They cannot be fixed or bounded, even in imagination."
source: Net York Ratification Convention, Jun 27, 1788.
purpose
of
constitution
,
role
of
government
,
limitation
of
powers
William Penn:
"It is admirable to consider how many millions
of
people
come into, and go out
of
the
world, ignorant
of
themselves, and
of
the
world they have lived in."
source: Some Fruits of Solitude, 1693.
intelligence
,
awareness
,
ignorance
Samuel Adams:
"No
people
will tamely surrender their Liberties, nor can any be easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and Virtue is preserved. On
the
Contrary, when People are universally ignorant, and debauched in their Manners, they will sink under their own weight without
the
aid
of
foreign invaders."
source: To James Warren, 1775.
ignorance
,
freedom
,
knowledge
,
downfall
of
society
,
liberty
Thomas Jefferson:
"Knowledge is
power
.. knowledge is safety ... knowledge is happiness."
source: Letter to George Ticknor, November 25, 1817.
intelligence
,
wisdom
,
happiness
,
education
Thomas Paine:
"All men are Republicans by nature and Royalists only by fashion. And this is fully proved by that passionate adoration, which all men show to that great and almost only remaining bulwark
of
natural rights, trial by juries, which is founded on a pure Republican basis. Here
the
power
of
Kings is shut out. No Royal negative can enter this Court. The Jury, which is here, supreme, is a Republic, a body
of
Judges chosen from among
the
people
."
source: The Forester's Letters, 1776.
jury duty
,
republic
,
representatives
,
freedom
,
justice
,
monarchy
Thomas Jefferson:
"Those who labor in
the
earth are
the
chosen
people
of
God, if He ever had a chosen
people
."
source: Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781-1785.
agriculture
,
farming
,
labor
Joseph Warren:
"May we ever be a
people
favoured
of
GOD. May our land be a land
of
liberty,
the
seat
of
virtue,
the
asylum
of
the
oppressed, a name and a praise in
the
whole earth, until
the
last shock
of
time shall bury
the
empires
of
the
world in one common undistinguished ruin!"
source: Boston Massacre Oration, March 5, 1772.
America
,
Americanism
,
liberty
,
patriotism
,
virtue
,
faith
John Quincy Adams:
"America ... well knows that by once enlisting under other banners than he own, were they even
the
banners
of
foreign independence, she would involve herself beyond
the
power
of
extraction, in all
the
wars
of
interest and intrigue,
of
individual avarice, envy, ambition, which assume
the
colors and usurp
the
standard
of
freedom. The fundamental maxims
of
her policy would insensibly change from liberty to force. ... She would be no longer
the
rule
of
he own spirit."
source: Address, July 4, 1821.
foreign relations
,
policy
,
conflict
,
force
,
treaties
James Madison:
"Although all men are born free, and all nations might be so, yet too true it is, that slavery has been
the
general lot
of
the
human race. Ignorant--they have been cheated; asleep--they have been surprised; divided--the yoke has been forced upon them. But what is
the
lesson? that because they
people
may betray themselves, they ought to give themselves up, blindfolded, to those who have an interest in betraying them? Rather conclude that
the
people
ought to be enlightened, to be awakened, to be united, that after establishing a government they should watch over it, as well as obey it. "
source: Essay in the National Gazette, December 20, 1792.
freedom
,
rights
,
slavery
,
ignorance
,
yoke
of
bondage
James Madison:
"This belief in a God All Powerful wise and good, is so essential to
the
moral order
of
the
world and to
the
happiness
of
man, that arguments which enforce it cannot be drawn from too many sources nor adapted with too much solicitude to
the
different characters and capacities to be impressed with it. ... This finiteness
of
the
Human understanding betrays itself on all subjects, but more especially when it contemplates such as involve infinity. What may safely be said seems to be, that
the
infinity
of
time and space forces itself on our conception, a limitation
of
either being inconceivable: that
the
mind prefers at once
the
idea
of
a self existing cause to that
of
an infinite series
of
cause and effect, which arguments, instead
of
avoiding
the
difficulty: and that it finds more facility in assenting to
the
self existence
of
an invisible cause possessing infinite
power
, wisdom and goodness, than to
the
self existence
of
the
universe, visibly destitute
of
those attributes, and which may be
the
effect
of
them."
source: To Frederick Beasley, November 29, 1825.
God
,
providence
,
wisdom
,
eternity
,
infinity
,
man's mere existence
James Madison:
"It is universally admitted that a well-instructed
people
alone can be permanently a free
people
."
source: Second annual message to congress, December 5, 1810.
freedom
,
rights
,
education
,
knowledge
,
wisdom
,
liberty
,
importance
of
proper education
Benjamin Franklin:
"But what madness must it be to run in debt for these superfluities! We are offered, by
the
terms
of
this vendue, six months' credit; and that perhaps has induced some
of
us to attend it, because we cannot spare
the
ready money, and hope now to be fine without it. But, ah, think what you do when you run in debt; you give to another
power
over you liberty. If you cannot pay at
the
time, you will be ashamed to see your creditor; you will be in fear when you speak to him; you will make poor pitiful sneaking excuses, and by degrees come to lose your veracity, and sink into base downright lying; for, as Poor Richard says,
the
second vice is lying,
the
first is running in debt. And again, to
the
same purpose, lying rides upon debt's back. Whereas a freeborn Englishman ought not to be ashamed or afraid to see or speak to any man living. But poverty often deprives a man
of
all spirit and virtue: 'Tis hard for an empty bad to stand upright, as Poor Richard truly says."
source: Smyth, Writings of Benjamin Franklin, 3:416
debt
,
money
,
monetary gain
,
debtors
,
bondage
,
borrowing
,
lending
,
owing money
George Washington:
"Against
the
insidious wiles
of
foreign influence ...
the
jealousy
of
a free
people
ought to be constantly awake; since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one
of
the
most baneful foes
of
republican government."
source: Farewell Address, September 17, 1796.
foreign influence
,
foreign affairs
,
jealousy
,
freedom
,
history
,
republic
,
on
the
dangers
of
too close
of
unions
Benjamin Franklin:
"Sir, there are two passions which have a powerful influence in
the
affairs
of
men. These are ambition and avarice;
the
love
of
power
and
the
love
of
money. Separately, each
of
these has great force in prompting men to action; but when united in view
of
the
same object, they have in many minds
the
most violent effects. Place before
the
eyes
of
such men a post
of
honor, that shall at
the
same time be a place
of
profit, and they will move heaven and earth to obtain it. The vast number
of
such places it is that renders
the
British government so tempestuous. The struggles for them are
the
true source
of
all those factions which are perpetually dividing
the
nation, distracting its councils, hurrying it sometimes into fruitless and mischievous wars, and often compelling a submission to dishonorable terms
of
peace."
source: Ibid., 9:591
war
,
motive
,
corruption
,
tendency
of
man
,
oppression
Samuel Adams:
"If
the
liberties
of
America are ever completely ruined,
of
which in my opinion there is now
the
utmost danger, it will in all probability be
the
consequence
of
a mistaken notion
of
prudence, which leads men to acquiesce in measures
of
the
most destructive tendency for
the
sake
of
present ease. When designs are form'd to rase
the
very foundations
of
a free government, those few who are to erect their grandeur and fortunes upon
the
general ruin, will employ every art to sooth
the
devoted
people
into a state
of
indolence, inattention and security. ... They are alarmed at nothing so much, as attempts to awaken
the
people
to jealousy and watchfulness; and it has been an old game played over and over again, to hold up
the
men who would rouse their fellow citizens and countrymen to a sense
of
their real danger, and spirit them to
the
most zealous activity in
the
use
of
all proper means for
the
preservation
of
the
public liberty, as a 'pretended patriots,' 'intemperate politicians,' rash, hot-headed men, Incendiaries, wretched desperadoes, who, as was said
of
the
best
of
men, would turn
the
world upside down, or have done it already."
source: Essay in the Boston Gazette, 1771.
attention
,
neglect
,
watchfullness
,
public awareness
,
liberties
,
patriotism
Thomas Jefferson:
"A bill
of
rights is what
the
people
are entitled to against every government on earth."
source: Letter to James Madison, December 1787.
bill
of
rights
,
freedom
,
goverment
George Washington:
"No
people
can be bound to acknowledge and adore
the
invisible hand which conducts
the
affairs
of
men more than
the
people
of
the
United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to
the
character
of
an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token
of
providential agency."
source: Fitzpatrick, Writings of George Washington, 30:292.
God
,
beliefs
of
the
Founders
,
providence
James Madison:
"The adversaries
of
the
Constitution seem to have lost sight
of
the
people
altogether in their reasoning on this subject; and to have viewed these different establishments not only as mutual rivals and enemies, but as uncontrolled by any common superior in their efforts to usurp
the
authorities
of
each other. These gentlemen must here be reminded
of
their error. They must be told that
the
ultimate authority, wherever
the
derivative may be found, resides in
the
people
alone."
source: Federalist Papers, No. 46, p. 294
source
of
authority
,
corruption
of
officials
Thomas Jefferson:
"If we can prevent
the
government from wasting
the
labors
of
the
people
, under
the
pretense
of
taking care
of
them, they must become happy."
source: To Thomas Cooper, January 29, 1802.
happiness
,
labor
,
work
,
welfare
Nathanael Greene:
"The infant mind is pregnant with a variety
of
passions; But I apprehend it is in
the
power
of
those who are entrusted with
the
education
of
youth in a considerable degree to determine
the
bent
of
the
noble passions and to fix them on salutary objects, or let them loose to such as are pernicious or destructive. Here then lies
the
foundation
of
civil liberty; in forming
the
habits
of
the
youthful mind, in forwarding every passion that may tend to
the
promotion
of
the
happiness
of
the
community, in fixing in ourselves right ideas
of
benevolence, humanity, integrity and truth."
source: To Samuel Ward Jr., 1771.
education
,
children
,
humanity
,
benevolence
,
integrity
,
truth
,
liberty
,
educators
John Jay:
"I consider knowledge to be
the
soul
of
a republic, and as
the
weak and
the
wicked are generally in alliance, as much care should be taken to diminish
the
number
of
the
former as
of
the
latter. Education is
the
way to do this, and nothing should be left undone to afford all ranks
of
people
the
means
of
obtaining a proper degree
of
it at a cheap and easy rate."
source: To Benjamin Rush, March 21, 1785.
knowledge
,
education
Benjamin Rush:
"It is favourable to liberty. Freedom can exist only in
the
society
of
knowledge. Without learning, men are incapable
of
knowing their rights, and where learning is confined to a few
people
, liberty can be neither equal nor universal."
source: Essay, 1786.
liberty
,
freedom
,
society
,
rights
,
learning
,
education
,
knowledge
Michel Jean De Crevecoeur:
"The easiest way
of
becoming acquainted with
the
modes
of
thinking,
the
rules
of
conduct, and
the
prevailing manners
of
any
people
, is to examine what sort
of
education they give their children; how they treat them at home, and what they are taught in their places
of
public worship."
source: Letters From an American Farmer, 1782.
parenting
,
education
,
respect
,
home-life
,
worship habits
George Washington:
"If in
the
opinion
of
the
People,
the
distribution or modification
of
the
Constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in
the
way which
the
Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be
the
instument
of
good, it is
the
custonary weapon by which free governments are destroyed."
source: Farewell Address, September 17, 1796.
majority vote
,
constitution
,
rights
,
freedom
,
gonverment
Alexander Hamilton:
"But a representative democracy, where
the
right
of
election is well secured and regulated, and
the
exercise
of
the
legislative, executive and judiciary authorities is vested in select persons chosen really and not nominally by
the
people
, will in my opinion be most likely to be happy, regular and durable."
source: To Robert R. Livingston, March 19, 1777.
democracy
,
representatives
,
republic
John Jay:
"What reason is there to expect that Heaven will help those who refuse to help themselves; or that Providence will grant liberty to those who want courage to defend it. ... Let not
the
history
of
the
present glorious contest declare to future generations that
the
people
of
your country, after making
the
highest professions
of
zeal for
the
American cause, fled at
the
first apprearance
of
danger, and behaved like women. ... Instead
of
supplicating
the
protection
of
your enemies, meet them with arms in your hands--make good your professions, and let not your attachment to freedom be manifesteed only in your words."
source: To the General Commitee of Tryon County, July 22, 1777.
Providence
,
patriotism
,
defense
,
honor
John Jay:
"It is unquestionably true, that
the
great body
of
the
people
love their country, and wish it prosperity; and this observation is particularly applicable to
the
people
of
a free country, for they have more and stronger reasons for loving it than others."
source: Address to the People of New York, 1787.
patriotism
,
love
,
freedom
James Monroe:
"To preserve peace will no doubt be difficult, but by accomplishing it we can show our wisdom and magnanimity, and secure to our
people
the
enjoyment
of
a dignified repose by indulging which they will be prosperous and happy."
source: Letter to Cocked Hats, Date unknown.
peace
,
happiness
James Madison:
"It will be
of
little avail to
the
people
that
the
laws are made by men
of
their own choice, if
the
laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood; if they be repealed or revised before they are promulgated, or undergo such incessant changes that no man who knows what
the
law is today can guess what it will be tomorrow."
source: The Federalist Papers, 1788.
lengthly bills
,
wordy legislation
,
congress
,
house
of
representatives
James Madison:
"The greatest calamity to which
the
United States can be subject, is a vicissitude
of
laws, and continual shifting and changing from one object to another, which must expose
the
people
to various inconveniences. This has a certain effect,
of
which sagacious men always have, and always will make an advantage. From whom is advantage made? From
the
industrious farmers and tradesman, who are ignorant
of
the
means
of
making such advantages."
source: Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 11, 1788.
law making
,
self-interest
Edmund Burke:
"The
people
never give up their liberties but under some delusion."
source: Speech at Country Meeting of Buckinghamshire, 1784.
liberty
,
freedom
,
opression
,
hope
Thomas Paine:
"Liberty is
the
power
to do everything that does not interfere with
the
rights
of
others: thus,
the
exercise
of
the
natural rights
of
every individual has no limits save those that assure to other members
of
society
the
enjoyment
of
the
same rights."
source: Plan of a Declaration of Rights, 1792.
liberty
,
liberties
,
freedom
,
rights
,
happiness
,
social enjoyments
James Madison:
"In governments, where
the
will
of
the
people
prevails,
the
danger
of
injustice arises from
the
interest, real or supposed, which a majority may have in trespassing on that
of
the
minority."
source: To Thomas Cooper, March 23, 1824.
government
,
majorities
,
minorities
,
injustice
William Pierce:
"Was for an election by
the
people
as to
the
first branch; and by
the
states as to
the
second branch; by which means
the
citizens
of
the
states would be represented both individually and collectively."
source: Ibid., p. 66.
congress
,
senate
,
house
of
representatives
,
balance
,
design
of
government
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