As long as the reason of man continues fallible, and he is at liberty to exercise it, different opinions will be formed.

The defect of power in the existing confederacy, to regulate the commerce between its several members is in the number of those which have been clearly pointed out by experience . . . . A very material object of this power was the relief of the States which import and export through other States from the improper contributions levied on them by the latter.

We are teaching the world the great truth that Governments do better without Kings & Nobles than with them. The merit will be doubled by the other lesson that Religion Flourishes in greater purity, without than with the aid of Government.

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

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

Commercial shackles are generally unjust, oppressive, and impolitic.

[T]he delegation of the government, in [a republic], to a small number of citizens elected by the rest . . . [is] to refine and enlarge the public views by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations.