We electors have an important constitutional power placed in our hands; we have a check upon two branches of the legislature.
John AdamsElections, especially of representatives and counselors, should be annual, there not being in the whole circle of the sciences a maxim more infallible than this, "where annual elections end, there slavery begins." These great men ... should be (chosen) once a year-Like bubbles on the sea of matter bourne, they rise, they break, and to the sea return. This will teach them the great political virtues of humility, patience, and moderation, without which every man in power becomes a ravenous beast of prey.
John AdamsYou will ever remember that all the end of study is to make you a good man and a useful citizen.
John AdamsIf worthless men are sometimes at the head of affairs, it is, I believe, because worthless men are at the tail and the middle
John AdamsI must study Politicks and War that my sons may have liberty to study Mathematicks and Philosophy. My sons ought to study Mathematicks and Philosophy, Geography, natural History, Naval Architecture, navigation, Commerce and Agriculture, in order to give their Children a right to study Painting, Poetry, Musick, Architecture, Statuary, Tapestry and Porcelaine. (12 May 1780)
John Adams