The government of the United States has been emphatically termed a government of laws, and not of men. It will certainly cease to deserve this high appellation, if the laws furnish no remedy for the violation of a vested legal right.

That the people have an original right to establish, for their future government, such principles as, in their opinion, shall most conduce to their own happiness, is the basis, on which the whole American fabric has been erected.... The principles, therefore, so established, are deemed fundamental. And as the authority, from which they proceed, is supreme ... they are designed to be permanent.... The powers of the legislature are defined, and limited; and that those limits may not be mistaken, or forgotten, the constitution is written.

The people made the Constitution, and the people can unmake it. It is the creature of their own will, and lives only by their will.

This government is acknowledged by all, to be one of enumerated powers.

Between a balanced republic and a democracy, the difference is like that between order and chaos.

A legislative act contrary to the Constitution is not law.

I fear we may live to see another revolution.