An efficient militia is authorized and contemplated by the Constitution and required by the spirit and safety of free government.

[Regarding legislative assemblies,] the number ought at most to be kept within a certain limit, in order to avoid the confusion and intemperance of a multitude. In all very numerous assemblies, of whatever characters composed, passion never fails to wrest the scepter from reason. Had every Athenian citizen been a Socrates, every Athenian assembly would still have been a mob.

A man has a property in his opinions and the free communication of them.

In the extent and proper structure of the Union, therefore, we behold a republican remedy for the disease incident to republican government.

... the State Legislatures will jealously and closely watch the operations of this Government, and be able to resist with more effect every assumption of power, than any other power on earth can do; and the greatest opponents to a Federal Government admit the State Legislatures to be sure guardians of the people's liberty.

Wherever there is interest and power to do wrong, wrong will generally be done.

The happy Union of these States is a wonder; their Constitution a miracle; their example the hope of Liberty throughout the world.