This I hope will be the age of experiments in government, and that their basis will be founded in principles of honesty, not of mere force.

The best defense of democracy is an informed electorate.

Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of person under protection of habeas corpus; and trial by juries impartially selected, these principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us, and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation.

Were parties here divided merely by a greediness for office,...to take a part with either would be unworthy of a reasonable or moral man.

I consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground that 'all powers not delegated to the United States, by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people.' To take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specially drawn around the powers of Congress, is to take possession of a boundless field of power not longer susceptible of any definition.

Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.

The failure of one thing is repaired by the success of another.