A nation without a national government is, in my view, an awful spectacle.

The interpretation of the laws is the proper and peculiar province of the courts.

The judiciary, from the nature of its functions, will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution.

It is essential to the security of liberty that the government in general should have a common interest with the people.

Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society.

A government ought to contain in itself every power requisite to the full accomplishment of the objects committed to its care.

A well-adjusted government should be a firm guardian of the nation’s property and interests, while allowing for the freedom of the individual.

The fabric of American empire ought to rest on the solid basis of the consent of the people.

Safety from external danger is the most powerful director of national conduct. Even the ardent love of liberty will, after a time, give way to its dictates.

The vigor of government is essential to the security of liberty.