John Jay
The Public Record
John Jay was an American statesman, diplomat, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He served as the first Chief Justice of the United States from 1789 to 1795, where he helped establish the judiciary's role in the new government. Jay was also a key negotiator of the Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the American Revolutionary War in 1783. His contributions to the Federalist Papers further solidified his influence in shaping the Constitution and the early political landscape of the nation.
★ Featured Quote
March 4, 1788
Those who are to be the judges of the law ought to be independent, and under the influence of none but heaven.
— John Jay
Nov 9, 1787
The Union will be more happy, more respectable, and more durable, if all the parts of it consider themselves as mutual friends and fellow-citizens.
Nov 9, 1787
A strong sense of the value of union induced the people, at a very early period, to institute a federal government.
Nov 2, 1787
It is not to be doubted that a unanimous and punctual observance of treaties and public engagements are the best fruits of good faith and honorable integrity.
Nov 2, 1787
Among the many objects to which a wise and free people find it necessary to direct their attention, that of providing for their safety seems to be the first.
Oct 30, 1787
Nothing is more certain than the indispensable necessity of government, and it is equally undeniable, that whenever and however it is instituted, the people must cede to it some of their natural rights, in order to vest it with requisite…
Oct 30, 1787
To all general purposes we have uniformly been one people, each individual citizen everywhere enjoying the same national rights, privileges, and protection.
Oct 30, 1787
Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people—a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government.
Oct 30, 1787
The people are the sovereign of this country, and consequently the founders of such a society as that of the United States.
Politicians like John Jay
