1789

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

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

George Washington

1789

★ 7.1

Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency, but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes!

Benjamin Franklin

Letters of Benjamin Franklin · 1789

★ 7.0

Poem

Can I see another's woe, And not be in sorrows too? Can I see another's grief, And not seek for kind relief?

William Blake

Songs of Innocence · 1789

★ 5.5

Perhaps the interpretation of the Koran would now be taught in the schools of Oxford, and her pulpits might demonstrate to a circumcised people the sanctity and truth of the revelation of Mahomet.

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · 1789

★ 5.3

Every project has been found to be no better than committing the lamb to the custody of the wolf, except that one which is called a balance of power.

John Adams

1789

★ 5.3

Autobiography and memoir

The thirst after happiness is never extinguished in the heart of man.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Confessions (Rousseau) · 1789

★ 4.7

The right of trial by jury shall be preserved.

Bill of Rights · 1789

★ 4.0

If we cannot secure all our rights, let us secure what we can.

Thomas Jefferson

1789

★ 3.9

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Bill of Rights · 1789

★ 3.9

The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · 1789

★ 3.8

All that is human must retrograde if it do not advance.

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · 1789

★ 3.8

No society can make a perpetual constitution, or even a perpetual law. The earth belongs always to the living generation.

Thomas Jefferson

Letter to James Madison, 1789 · 1789

★ 3.8

Poem

And we are put on earth a little space, That we may learn to bear the beams of love.

William Blake

Songs of Innocence · 1789

★ 3.8

Nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.

Bill of Rights · 1789

★ 3.8

The right of the people to be secure...against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause.

Bill of Rights · 1789

★ 3.8

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed.

Bill of Rights · 1789

★ 3.8

Vicissitudes of fortune, which spares neither man nor the proudest of his works, which buries empires and cities in a common grave.