Our ancestors ... were laborers, not lawyers.

Every male citizen of the commonwealth, liable to taxes or to militia duty in any county, shall have a right to vote for representatives for that county to the legislature.

I have often thought that nothing would do more extensive good at small expense than the establishment of a small circulating library in every county, to consist of a few well-chosen books, to be lent to the people of the country under regulations as would secure their safe return in due time.

By making this wine known to the public, I have rendered my country as great a service as if I had enabled it to pay back the national debt.

A government regulating itself by what is wise and just for the many, uninfluenced by the local and selfish views of the few who direct their affairs, has not been seen, perhaps, on earth. Or if it existed for a moment at the birth of ours, it would not be easy to fix the term of its continuance. Still, I believe it does exist here in a greater degree than anywhere else; and for its growth and continuance... I offer sincere prayers.

The further the departure from direct and constant control by the citizens, the less has the government of the ingredient of republicanism.

We sometimes from dreams pick up some hint worth improving by reflection.