The defence of human liberty against the aggressions of despotic power have been always the most efficient in States where domestic slavery was to prevail.

In looking back, I see nothing to regret, and little to correct.

Government has within it a tendency to abuse its powers.

There never has yet existed a wealthy and civilized society in which one portion of the community did not, in point of fact, live on the labor of the other.

The error is in the assumption that the General Government is a party to the constitutional compact. The States ... formed the compact, acting as sovereign and independent communities.

Irresponsible power is inconsistent with liberty, and must corrupt those who exercise it.

The object of a Constitution is to restrain the Government, as that of laws is to restrain individuals.