Its objects are CONTRACTS with foreign nations which have the force of law, but derive it from the obligations of good faith.

There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.

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

It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.

Constitutions should consist only of general provisions; the reason is that they must necessarily be permanent, and that they cannot calculate for the possible change of things.

This position will not be disputed so long as it is admitted that the desire of reward is one of the strongest incentives of human conduct, or that the best security for the fidelity of mankind is to make their interest coincide with their duty. Even the love of fame, the ruling passion of the noblest minds... would on the contrary deter him from the undertaking, when he foresaw that he must quit the scene before he could accomplish the work.

If the maintenance of public credit, then, be truly important, the next enquiry which suggests itself is, by what means it is to be effected? The ready answer to which question is, by good faith, by a punctual performance of contracts. States, like individuals, who observe their engagements, are respected and trusted: while the reverse is the fate of those who pursue an opposite conduct.