It is a problem, not clear in my mind, that [a society without government, as among our Indians] is not the best. But I believe it to be inconsistent with any great degree of population.

An enemy generally says and believes what he wishes.

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.

The general (federal) government will tend to monarchy, which will fortify itself from day to day, instead of working its own cures.

History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government.

I feel much alarmed at the prospect of seeing General Jackson President. He is the most unfit man I know for such a place.

Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state.