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Nothing is more likely than that [the] enumeration of powers is defective. This is the ordinary case of all human works. Let us then go on perfecting ...more

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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.

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The execution of the laws is more important than the making of them.

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In questions of power, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the constitution.

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Thomas Jefferson's Letter to John Holmes on the Missouri Statehood Question – April 20, 1820I thank you, dear Sir, for the copy you have been so kind ...more

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And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these lib...more

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It is reasonable that everyone who asks justice should do justice

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Some men look at constitutions with sanctimonious reverence and deem them like the ark of the covenant, too sacred to be touched. They ascribe to the ...more

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We are not to expect to be translated from despotism to liberty in a featherbed.

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Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion.

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I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just that his justice cannot sleep forever.

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The sword of the law should never fall but on those whose guilt is so apparent as to be pronounced by their friends as well as foes.

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Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the li...more

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The executive power in our government is not the only, perhaps not even the principal, object of my solicitude. The tyranny of the legislature is real...more