Government

"Every reform movement has a lunatic fringe."

"If once the people become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress and Assemblies, Judges and Governors, shall all become wolves. It seems to be the law of our general nature, in spite of individual exceptions."

"No man is good enough to govern another man without that other’s consent."

"Where the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe."

"It is reasonable that everyone who asks justice should do justice."

"But we are governed more than we know, and most when we are wildest."

"I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."

"The dead should not rule the living."

"Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber."

"Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve."

"When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny."

"When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'Present' or 'Not Guilty'."