Commercial shackles are generally unjust, oppressive, and impolitic.

What is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature?

The people are the only legitimate fountain of power, and it is from them that the constitutional charter, under which the several branches of government hold their power, is derived.

What prudent merchant will hazard his fortunes in any new branch of commerce when he knows not that his plans may be rendered unlawful before they can be executed?

[The Republican Party] consists of those who, believing in the doctrine that mankind are capable of governing themselves and hating hereditary power as an insult to the reason and an outrage to the rights of men, are naturally offended at every public measure that does not appeal to the understanding and to the general interest of the community.

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

In all great changes of established governments, forms ought to give way to substance