“A pure democracy is generally a very bad government, it is often the most tyrannical government on earth; for a multitude is often rash, and will not hear reason.” –  Noah Webster, in The Original Blue Back Speller (an instruction book for American youth)

The text of a notable speech by Noah Webster on how to best go about maintaining the republican form of our government is found here:

http://www.thehistorytavern.com/2009/05/noah-webster-on-maintaining-free.html