Quotes From Our Founders

"The people are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty." - Thomas Jefferson

"Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent Alliances, with any portion of the foreign world." - George Washington

"A nation under a well regulated government, should permit none to remain uninstructed. It is monarchical and aristocratical government only that requires ignorance for its support." - Thomas Paine

"A just security to property is not afforded by that government, under which unequal taxes oppress one species of property and reward another species." - James Madison

"Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom." - John Adams

"A fondness for power is implanted, in most men, and it is natural to abuse it, when acquired." - Alexander Hamilton

"A free people claim their rights as derived from the laws of nature, and not as the gift of their chief magistrate." - Thomas Jefferson

"A people... who are possessed of the spirit of commerce, who see and who will pursue their advantages may achieve almost anything." - George Washington

"A little matter will move a party, but it must be something great that moves a nation." - Thomas Paine

"All men having power ought to be distrusted to a certain degree." - James Madison

"Here sir, the people govern." - Alexander Hamilton

"But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever." - John Adams

"A penny saved is twopence clear." - Benjamin Franklin

"Dependence begets subservience and venality, suffocates the germ of virtue, and prepares fit tools for the designs of ambition." - Thomas Jefferson

"Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country." - George Washington

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace." - Thomas Paine

"This is a principle incorporated into the settled policy of America, that as peace is better than war, war is better than tribute." - James Madison

"Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state." - Alexander Hamilton

"The natural cure for an ill-administration, in a popular or representative constitution, is a change of men."

- Alexander Hamilton