Bills of attainder, ex-post facto laws and laws impairing the obligation of contracts are contrary to the first principles of the social compact, and to every principle of sound legislation.

Some degree of abuse is inseparable from the proper use of everything.

Precedents once established are so much positive power.

The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.

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

Oppressors can tyrannize only when they achieve a standing army, an enslaved press, and a disarmed populace.

The express authority of the people alone could give validity to the Constitution.