The genius of the people will ill brook the inquisitive and peremptory spirit of excise laws.
Alexander HamiltonHard words are very rarely useful. Real firmness is good for every thing. Strut is good for nothing.
Alexander HamiltonThese are not vague inferences . . . but they are solid conclusions drawn from the natural and necessary progress of human affairs.
Alexander HamiltonA sacred respect for the constitutional law is the vital principle, the sustaining energy of a free government.
Alexander HamiltonThis balance between the National and State governments ought to be dwelt on with peculiar attention, as it is of the utmost importance. It forms a double security to the people. If one encroaches on their rights they will find a powerful protection in the other. Indeed, they will both be prevented from overpassing their constitutional limits by a certain rivalship, which will ever subsist between them.
Alexander HamiltonAs the duties of superintending the national defense and of securing the public peace against foreign or domestic violence involve a provision for casualties and dangers to which no possible limits can be assigned, the power of making that provision ought to know no other bounds than the exigencies of the nation and the resources of the community.
Alexander Hamilton