George Washington

I hope that I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.

Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.

A government that governs least is best.

I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy.

It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.

Nothing is more essential than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations, and passionate attachments for others, should be excluded; and that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should be…

Observe good faith and justice towards all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.

Those who have been blessed with the privileges of education should be the guardians of those privileges for the benefit of all.

The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred, without any thing more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every nation.

The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing it into different depositories...has been evinced by the experience of all mankind.

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.

The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence—it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.

I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.

The nation that expects to be ignorant and free, expects what never was and never will be.

The foundation of our national policy will be laid on the solid basis of the people's will.

Each citizen must contribute to the common defense, which is the foundation of our security.

Good governance demands the exercise of wisdom, patience, and courage.

Those who are well informed about their rights and duties make the best citizens.

A strong nation is built on the foundation of unity and common purpose.

The prosperity of a nation depends on the integrity of its institutions.

Liberty is the birthright of every human being.

Freedom is the right to do anything that does not infringe upon the rights of others.

Government must be responsive to the needs and wishes of its people.

The welfare of the people is the highest law.