With respect to our State and federal governments, I do not think their relations correctly understood by foreigners. They generally suppose the former subordinate to the latter. But this is not the case. They are co-ordinate departments of one simple and integral whole.

Responsibility is a tremendous engine in a free government.

But of all the views of this law [universal education] none is more important, none more legitimate, than that of rendering the people the safe, as they are the ultimate, guardians of their own liberty.

There is no act, however virtuous, for which ingenuity may not find some bad motive.

Question boldly even the existence of God.

I find the pain of a little censure, even when it is unfounded, is more acute than the pleasure of much praise.

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