The practice of arbitrary imprisonments have been, in all ages, the favorite and most formidable instruments of tyranny.

The true principle of government is this - make the system compleat in its structure; give a perfect proportion and balance to its parts; and the powers you give it will never affect your security.

The propriety of a law, in a constitutional light, must always be determined by the nature of the powers upon which it is founded.

A struggle for liberty is in itself respectable and glorious. . . . When conducted with magnanimity, justice and humanity, it ought to command the admiration of every friend to human nature. But if sullied by crimes and extravagancies, it loses its respectability.

The law... dictated by God Himself is, of course, superior in obligation to any other. It is binding over all the globe, in all countries, and at all times. No human laws are of any validity if contrary to this.

It has been observed, [that for the federal government] to coerce the States is one of the maddest projects that was ever devised.

Learn to think continentally.