In their own words: Quotes from the Founding generation Part I
Posted by 1776blog on November 30, 2009
Benjamin Franklin-
When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.
John Adams-
The happiness of society is the end of government.
George Washington-
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.
Thomas Jefferson-
A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned – this is the sum of good government.
Alexander Hamilton-
If the federal government should overpass the just bounds of its authority and make a tyrannical use of its powers, the people, whose creature it is, must appeal to the standard they have formed, and take such measures to redress the injury done to the Constitution as the exigency may suggest and prudence justify. (Federalist 33)
Samuel Adams-
The natural liberty of man is to be free from any superior power on Earth, and not to be under the will or legislative authority of man, but only to have the law of nature for his rule.
