What a perversion of the normal order of things! ... to make power the primary and central object of the social system, and Liberty but its satellite.

The happy Union of these States is a wonder; their Constitution a miracle; their example the hope of Liberty throughout the world.

Measures are too often decided, not according to the rules of justice and the rights of the minor party, but by the superior force of an interested and overbearing majority.

If this spirit shall ever be so far debased, as to tolerate a law not obligatory on the legislature, as well as on the people, the people will be prepared to tolerate any thing but liberty.

If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

I should not regret a fair and full trial of the entire abolition of capital punishment.

The danger from legislative usurpations, which, by assembling all power in the same hands, must lead to the same tyranny as is threatened by executive usurpations.