It is certainly true that a popular government cannot flourish without virtue in the people.

That these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown; and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

It is certainly true that a popular government cannot flourish without virtue in the people.

To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of people always possess arms.

The first maxim of a man who loves liberty, should be never to grant to rulers an atom of power that is not most clearly and indispensably necessary for the safety and well being of society.

A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves... and include all men capable of bearing arms.

Militias, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves and include all men capable of bearing arms. [...] To preserve liberty it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them.