The proper function of a government is to make it easy for the people to do good, and difficult for them to do evil.

Whatever government is not a government of laws, is a despotism, let it be called what it may

The people's government, made for the people, made by the people and answerable to the people.January 1830

A representative form of government rests nor more on political contributions than on those laws which regulate the descent and transmission of property.

It would seem, then, to be the part of political wisdom to found government on property; and to establish such distribution of property, by the laws which regulate its transmission and alienation, as to interest the great majority of society in the protection of the government.

Whatever government is not a government of laws, is a despotism, let it be called what it may.

Nothing is more deceptive or more dangerous than the pretence of a desire to simplify government. The simplest governments are despotisms; the next simplest, limited monarchies; but all republics, all governments of law, must impose numerous limitations and qualifications of authority, and give many positive and many qualified rights.

The proper function of a government is to make it easy for the people to do good, and difficult for them to do evil.

The inherent right in the people to reform their government, I do not deny; and they have another right, and that is to resist unconstitutional laws without overturning the government.