“Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded, because they flatter the people, in order to betray them.” —Joseph Story (1833)

For Justice Story’s commentary on the Constitution, please see:

http://www.constitution.org/js/js_000.ht