Hence, in a state of nature, no man had any moral power to deprive another of his life, limbs, property, or liberty; nor the least authority to command or exact obedience from him, except that which arose from the ties of consanguinity.

I never expect to see a perfect work from an imperfect man.

If the Constitution is adopted (and it was) the Union will be in fact and in theory an association of States or a Confederacy.

A fondness for power is implanted in most men, and it is natural to abuse it when acquired. This maxim, drawn from the experience of all ages, makes it the height of folly to intrust any set of men with power which is not under every possible control; perpetual strides are made after more as long as there is any part withheld.

To look for a continuation in harmony between a number of independent unconnected sovereignties, situated in the same neighborhood, would be to disregard the uniform course of human events, and to set at defiance the accumulated experience of ages.

[A] power equal to every possible contingency must exist somewhere in the government . . .

Nothing could be more ill-judged than that intolerant spirit which has, at all times, characterized political parties.