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

There can be no profit in the making or selling of things to be destroyed in war. Men may think that they have such profit, but in the end the profit will turn out to be a loss.

Now, mark my words. So long as we are a young and virtuous people, this instument will bind us together in mutual interests, mutual welfare, and mutual happiness. But when we become old and corrupt, it will bind no longer.

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

How can you trust people who are poor and own no property? ... Inequality of property will exist as long as liberty exists.

The instrument by which it [government] must act are either the AUTHORITY of the laws or FORCE. If the first be destroyed, the last must be substituted; and where this becomes the ordinary instrument of government there is an end to liberty!

Here, sir, the people govern; here they act by their immediate representatives.