Our relations with the other powers of Europe have experienced no essential change since the last session.
James MonroeThe payments which have been made into the Treasury show the very productive state of the public revenue.
James MonroeRepublics demanded virtue. Monarchies could rely on coercion and "dazzling splendor" to suppress self-interest or factions; republics relied on the goodness of the people to put aside private interest for public good. The imperatives of virtue attached all sorts of desiderata to the republican citizen: simplicity, frugality, sobriety, simple manners, Christian benevolence, duty to the polity. Republics called on other virtues--spiritedness, courage--to protect the polity from external threats. Tyrants kept standing armies; republics relied on free yeomen, defending their own land.
James MonroeAt no period of our political existence had we so much cause to felicitate ourselves at the prosperous and happy condition of our country.
James Monroe