Though oppression may give rise to violent and repeated outbreaks, like the convulsions of a man in pain, it cannot mature a settled purpose and plan of regeneration, unless a new notion of happiness is joined to the sense of present evil.

The true natural check on absolute democracy is the federal system, which limits the central government by the powers reserved, and the state governments by the powers they have ceded.

By liberty I mean the assurance that every man shall be protected in doing what he believes to be his duty against the influences of authority and majorities, custom and opinion.

At all times sincere friends of freedom have been rare, and its triumphs have been due to minorities.

The finest opportunity ever given to the world was thrown away because the passion of equality made vain the hope for freedom.

Everybody likes to get as much power as circumstances allow, and nobody will vote for a self-denying ordinance.

The common vice of democracy is disregard for morality.