...several of the first presidents, including Jefferson and Madison, generally refused to issue public prayers, despite importunings to do so. Under pressure, Madison relented in the War Of 1812, but held to his belief that chaplains shouldn't be appointed to the military or be allowed to open Congress.

[In government] the constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as that each may be a check on the other-that the private interest of every individual may be a sentinel over the public rights.

If man is not fit to govern himself, how can he be fit to govern someone else?

In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority.

By a faction, I understand a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest... The latent causes of faction are sown in the nature of man.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

[Christianity] existed and flourishes, not only without the support of human laws, but in spite of every opposition from them.