In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.

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.

A victorious and powerful ally is but another name for a master.

If our nation is ever taken over, it will be taken over from within.

The problem to be solved is, not what form of government is perfect, but which of the forms is least imperfect.

The purpose of the Constitution is to restrict the majority's ability to harm a minority.

Because finally, 'the equal right of every citizen to the free exercise of his religion according to the dictates of conscience' is held by the same tenure with all his other rights. If we recur to its origin, it is equally the gift of nature; if we weigh its importance, it cannot be less dear to us; if we consider the 'Declaration of those rights which pertain to the good people of Virginia, as the basis and foundation of government,' it is enumerated with equal solemnity, or rather studied emphasis.