Ecclesiastical establishments tend to great ignorance and corruption

A just security to property is not afforded by that government, under which unequal taxes oppress one species of property and reward another species.

It is a misfortune incident to republican government, though in a less degree than to other governments, that those who administer it, may forget their obligations to their constituents, and prove unfaithful to their important trust.

Who are to be the objects of popular choice? Every citizen whose merit may recommend him to the esteem and confidence of his country.

It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to perceive in it [the Constitution] a finger of that Almighty hand which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical stages of the revolution.

I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents.

if the people are to be our governors, they must arm themselves with knowledge.