We have seen that the American Constitution has changed, is changing, and by the law of its existence must continue read more

We have seen that the American Constitution has changed, is changing, and by the law of its existence must continue to change, in its substance and practical working even when its words remain the same.

In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief read more

In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.

"The liberties of our country, the freedoms of our civil Constitution are worth defending at all hazards; it is our read more

"The liberties of our country, the freedoms of our civil Constitution are worth defending at all hazards; it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors. They purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood. It will bring a mark of everlasting infamy on the present generation – enlightened as it is – if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle, or to be cheated out of them by the artifices of designing men." -Samuel Adams

The principles of a free constitution are irrecoverably lost, when the legislative power is nominated by the executive.

The principles of a free constitution are irrecoverably lost, when the legislative power is nominated by the executive.

From Watergate we learned what generations before us have known; our Constitution works. And during Watergate years it was interpreted read more

From Watergate we learned what generations before us have known; our Constitution works. And during Watergate years it was interpreted again so as to reaffirm that no one - absolutely no one - is above the law.

I confess that there are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am read more

I confess that there are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them. For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better information, or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise.

A Constitution should be short and obscure

A Constitution should be short and obscure

Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be read more

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.

The constitution, on this hypothesis, is a mere thing of wax in the hands of the Judiciary, which they may read more

The constitution, on this hypothesis, is a mere thing of wax in the hands of the Judiciary, which they may twist and shape into any form they please.