Agriculture is at the same time the most tranquil, healthy, and independent occupation.

My construction of the constitution is very different from that you quote. It is that each department is truly independent of the others, and has an equal right to decide for itself what is the meaning of the constitution in the cases submitted to its action; and especially, where it is to act ultimately and without appeal.

Cultivators of the earth are the most virtuous and independent citizens.

Independence can be trusted nowhere but with the people in mass. They are inherently independent of all but moral law.

In the legislature, the House of Representatives is chosen by less than half the people, and not at all in proportion to those who do choose. The Senate are still more disproportionate, and for long terms of irresponsibility. In the Executive, the Governor is entirely independent of the choice of the people, and of their control; his Council equally so, and at best but a fifth wheel to a wagon. In the Judiciary, the judges of the highest courts are dependent on none but themselves.

It should be remembered, as an axiom of eternal truth in politics, that whatever power in any government is independent, is absolute also.