I wish it were possible to obtain a single amendment to our constitution.  I would be willing to depend on that alone for their reduction of the administration of our government to the genuine principles of its constitution; I mean an additional article, taking from the federal government the power of borrowing.

A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government.

America was conquered, and her settlements made, and firmly established, at the expence of individuals, and not of the British public.  Their own blood was spilt in acquiring lands for their settlement, their own fortunes expended in making that settlement effectual; for themselves they fought, for themselves they conquered, and for themselves alone they have right to hold.

In a republican nation whose citizens are to be led by reason and persuasion and not by force, the art of reasoning becomes of first importance.

In matters of principle, stand like a rock.

I consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground that 'all powers not delegated to the United States, by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people.' To take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specially drawn around the powers of Congress, is to take possession of a boundless field of power, not longer susceptible of any definition.

Would it not be better to simplify the system of taxation rather than to spread it over such a variety of subjects and pass through so many new hands?

[T]he States can best govern our home concerns and the general government our foreign ones. I wish, therefore ... never to see all offices transferred to Washington, where, further withdrawn from the eyes of the people, they may more secretly be bought and sold at market.

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.