Unless the mass retains sufficient control over those entrusted with the powers of their government, these will be perverted to their own oppression, and to the perpetuation of wealth and power in the individuals and their families selected for the trust.

No society can make a perpetual constitution... The earth belongs always to the living generation.

For if one link in nature's chain might be lost, another might be lost, until the whole of things will vanish by piecemeal.

I do love this people [the French] with all my heart, and think that with a better religion and a better form of government and their present governors their condition and country would be most enviable.

The expedition of Messrs. Lewis & Clarke for exploring the river Missouri, & the best communication from that to the Pacific ocean, has had all the success which could have been expected.

An hereditary aristocracy... will change the form of our governments from the best to the worst in the world.

To every obstacle oppose patience, perseverance and soothing language.