The members of the legislative department . . . are numerous. They are distributed and dwell among the people at large. Their connections of blood, of friendship, and of acquaintance embrace a great proportion of the most influential part of the society . . . they are more immediately the confidential guardians of their rights and liberties.

There is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust.

People will continue to seek justice until it is found, or until liberty is lost in the pursuit.

Who are to be the electors of the Federal Representatives? Not the rich, more than the poor

[I]t is the reason alone, of the public, that ought to control and regulate the government.

No power over the freedom of religion [is] delegated to the United States by the Constitution.

Measures should be enacted which, without violating the rights of property, would reduce extreme wealth towards a state of mediocrity, and raise extreme indigence towards a state of comfort.