Those gentlemen, who will be elected senators, will fix themselves in the federal town, and become citizens of that town more than of your state.

I ask you sir, who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people.

The augmentation of slaves weakens the states; and such a trade is diabolical in itself, and disgraceful to mankind.

I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people except for a few public officials.

Government is, or ought to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community... when any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.

We are now to rank among the nations of the world; but whether our Independence shall prove a blessing or a curse must depend upon our own wisdom or folly, virtue or wickedness.... Justice and virtue are the vital principles of republican government.

Who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people, except a few public officers. But I cannot say who will be the militia of the future day. If that paper on the table [the Constitution] gets no alteration, the militia of the future day may not consist of all classes, high and low, and rich and poor.