Man is known to be a selfish, as well as a social being.

[I]t is more convenient to prevent the passage of a law, than to declare it void after it has passed.

As long as the reason of man continues fallible, and he is at liberty to exercise it, different opinions will be formed. As long as the connection subsists between his reason and his self-love, his opinions and passions will have a reciprocal influence on each other, and the former will be objects to which the latter attach themselves.

Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.

The better proof of reverence for that holy name would be not to profane it by making it a topic of legislative discussion.

[In a democracy] a common passion or interest will, in almost every case , be felt by a majority of the whole; a communication and concert results from the form of government itself; and there is nothing to check the inducements to sacrifice the weaker party or an obnoxious individual.

[N]o religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.