If the people should elect, they will never fail to prefer some man of distinguished character, or services; some man, if he might so speak of continental reputation.

Religion is the solid basis of good morals; therefore education should teach the precepts of religion, and the duties of man toward God.

Americans need never fear their government because of the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation.

This magistrate is not the king. The people are the king.

[In 1787, delegates to the constitutional convention determined that the Senate alone, and not the executive, had the power to nominate and confirm judicial nominees. But by the end of the convention, the framers' views had evolved. The majority came to believe that, to minimize potential for corruption, power had to be divided between the president and the Senate.] As the president was to nominate, ... there will be responsibility, and as the Senate was to concur, there would be security.

The most important thing for a young man is to establish credit - a reputation and character.