I apprehend... that the total abandonment of the principle of rotation in the offices of President and Senator will end in abuse.

Both of our political parties, at least the honest portion of them, agree conscientiously in the same object: the public good; but they differ essentially in what they deem the means of promoting that good. One side believes it best done by one composition of the governing powers, the other by a different one. One fears most the ignorance of the people; the other the selfishness of rulers independent of them. Which is right, time and experience will prove.

Were I to commence my administration again, the first question I would ask respecting a candidate would be, Does he use ardent spirits?

Every people may establish what form of government they please, and change it as they please, the will of the nation being the only thing essential.

I think our governments will remain virtuous for many centuries as long as they are chiefly agricultural; and this will be as long as there shall be vacant lands in any part of America. When they get piled upon one another in large cities as in Europe, they will become corrupt as in Europe.

It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war; but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves. If our house be on fire, without inquiring whether it was fired from within or without, we must try to extinguish it.

the qualifications for self-government in society are not innate. they are the result of habit and long training.