It is very certain that [the commerce clause] grew out of the abuse of the power by the importing States in taxing the non-importing, and was intended as a negative and preventive provision against injustice among the States themselves, rather than as a power to be used for the positive purposes of the General Government.

To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea.

Precedents once established are so much positive power.

The rights of persons, and the rights of property, are the objects, for the protection of which Government was instituted.

Public opinion sets bounds to every government, and is the real sovereign in every free one.

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

The operations of the federal government will be most extensive and important in times of war and danger; those of the State governments, in times of peace and security.