In Jefferson's mind democracy was tantamount to extreme individualism.

Unless the great majority of Americans not only have, but believe they have, a fair chance, the better American future will be dangerously compromised.

In the long run men inevitably become the victims of their wealth. They adapt their lives and habits to their money, not their money to their lives. It preoccupies their thoughts, creates artificial needs, and draws a curtain between them and the world.

Democracy may mean something more than a theoretically absolute popular government, but it assuredly cannot mean anything less.

American history contains much matter for pride and congratulation, and much matter for regret and humiliation.

The Constitution was the expression not only of a political faith, but also of political fears. It was wrought both as the organ of the national interest and as the bulwark of certain individual and local rights.

Had it not been for the Atlantic Ocean and the virgin wilderness, the United States would never have been the Land of Promise.