The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.

In a representative republic, the education of our children must be of the utmost importance!

The Executive is charged officially in the Departments under it with the disbursement of the public money, and is responsible for the faithful application of it to the purposes for which it is raised. The Legislature is the watchful guardian over the public purse. It is its duty to see that the disbursement has been honestly made.

The citizens of the United States cherish sentiments the most friendly in favor of liberty and happiness...beyond the Atlantic. In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy to do so. It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries.

The emigrants although of different parties and different religious sects all flew from persecution in pursuit of liberty.

[In a republic,] it is not the people themselves who make the decisions, but the people they themselves choose to stand in their places.

Peace is the best time for improvement and preparation of every kind; it is in peace that our commerce flourishes most, that taxes are most easily paid, and that the revenue is most productive.