1780s · Skopia

Showing 202 quotes from the 1780s

A little rebellion now and then is a good thing.

Thomas Jefferson

1787

★ 9.1

Political literature

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare; and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Constitution of the United States

1787

★ 8.9

Variety's the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavour.

1785

★ 8.8

Political literature

Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.

Thomas Jefferson

Notes on the State of Virginia · 1785

★ 7.8

Political literature

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Bill of Rights · 1789

★ 7.6

Essay · Political literature

Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.

Federalist 51 · 1788

★ 7.6

Essay · Political literature

Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm.

Federalist 10 · 1787

★ 7.5

Everything that lives, Lives not alone, nor for itself.

1789

★ 7.2

Political literature

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Bill of Rights · 1789

★ 7.2

Essay · Philosophical literature

Out of the crooked timber of humanity no straight thing was ever made.

1784

★ 7.1

The due administration of justice is the firmest pillar of good government.

George Washington

1789

★ 7.1

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

Thomas Jefferson

1787

★ 7.1

Essay · Political literature

Why has government been instituted at all? Because the passions of men will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice, without constraint.

Alexander Hamilton

Federalist 15 · 1787

★ 7.1

Essay · Political literature

It seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force.

Alexander Hamilton

Federalist 1 · 1787

★ 7.0

Essay · Political literature

Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly expires. But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency.

Federalist 10 · 1787

★ 7.0

Essay · Political literature

It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

Federalist 51 · 1788

★ 7.0

Essay · Political literature

Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society. It ever has been and ever will be pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit.

Federalist 51 · 1788

★ 7.0

Speech · Political speech

The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion.

1784

★ 7.0

Essay · Political literature

The fabric of American empire ought to rest on the solid basis of THE CONSENT OF THE PEOPLE. The streams of national power ought to flow immediately from that pure, original fountain of all legitimate authority.

Alexander Hamilton

Federalist 22 · 1787

★ 7.0

Essay · Political literature

Of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants.

Alexander Hamilton

Federalist 1 · 1787

★ 7.0

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