These powers ought to exist without limitation, because it is impossible to foresee or to define the extent and variety of national exigencies, and the correspondent extent and variety of the means which may be necessary to satisfy them.

Law is defined to be a rule of action; but how can that be a rule, which is little known and less fixed?

When the sword is once drawn, the passions of men observe no bounds of moderation.

Take mankind as they are, and what are they governed by? Their passions.

Every individual of the community at large has an equal right to the protection of government.

If there are such things as political axioms, the propriety of the judicial power of a government being co-extensive with its legislative, may be ranked among the number.

To model our political system upon speculations of lasting tranquility, is to calculate on the weaker springs of the human character.