John Jay: “The people are the sovereign of this country, and consequently the founders of such a society as that of the United…”

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.

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…

Those who are to be the judges of the law ought to be independent, and under the influence of none but heaven.

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.