[V]irtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.

Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue?

Mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for their own government.

I dare say the men would fight very well if properly officered, although they are an exceedingly dirty and nasty people.

The last official act of any government is to loot the treasury.

The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is in extending our commercial relations to have as little political connection as possible... Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalships, interest, humor, or caprice?... It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.

Our Constitution gives to bigotry no sanction.