Laws are a dead letter without courts to expound and define their true meaning and operation.

Schemes to subvert the liberties of a great community require time to mature them for execution.

We are now forming a republican government. Real liberty is never found in despotism or the extremes of democracy, but in moderate governments.

It is evident from the state of the country, from the habits of the people, from the experience we have had on the point itself, that it is impracticable to raise any very considerable sums by direct taxation.

The loss of liberty to a generous mind is worse than death.

If the representatives of the people betray their constituents, there is then no recourse left but in the exertion of that original right of self-defense which is paramount to all positive forms of government.

The militia is a voluntary force not associated or under the control of the States except when called out; [ when called into actual service] a permanent or long standing force would be entirely different in make-up and call.