Category Archives: First Principles

First Principles: The Opinion Giving Judges the Right To Decide Constitutionality For All Three Branches Makes the Judiciary A Despotic Branch

“The opinion which gives to the judges the right to decide what laws are constitutional and what not, not only for themselves, in their, own sphere of action, but for the Legislature and Executive also in their spheres, would make … Continue reading

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First Principles: The Ordaining of Law In Favor of One Part of the Nation To the Prejudice and Oppression Of Another Is Certainly …Mistaken Policy

“The ordaining of laws in favor of one part of the nation, to the prejudice and oppression of another, is certainly the most erroneous and mistaken policy. An equal dispensation of protection, rights, privileges, and advantages, is what every part … Continue reading

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First Principles: The Right of the Citizens To Keep and Bear Arms Has Justly Been Considered As the Palladium of the Liberties of the Republic

“The right of the citizens to keep and bear arms has justly been considered, as the palladium of the liberties of the republic; since it offers a strong moral check against usurpation and arbitrary power of the rulers; and will … Continue reading

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First Principles: One Single Object …Will Merit the Endless Gratitude of the Society: That of Restraining the Judges From Usurping Legislation

“One single object … [will merit] the endless gratitude of the society: that of restraining the judges from usurping legislation.” – Thomas Jefferson (1825)      

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First Principles: The Citizens of America Have Too Much Discernment To Be Argued Into Anarchy

“The citizens of America have too much discernment to be argued into anarchy. and I am much mistaken if experience has not wrought a deep and solemn conviction in the public mind that greater energy of government is essential to … Continue reading

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First Principles: Without Morals A Republic Cannot Subsist Any Length of Time

“Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure (and) which insures to the good eternal happiness, are undermining the solid foundation of morals, … Continue reading

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First Principles: If Individuals Be Not Influenced By Moral Principles; It Is In Vain To Look For Public Virtue

“If individuals be not influenced by moral principles; it is in vain to look for public virtue; it is, therefore, the duty of legislators to enforce, both by precept and example, the utility, as well as the necessity of a … Continue reading

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First Principles: It Is the Manners and Spirit of A People Which Preserve A Republic In Vigor

“It is the manners and spirit of a people which preserve a republic in vigor. A degeneracy in these is a canker which soon eats to the heart of its laws and constitution.” – Thomas Jefferson (1781)      

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First Principles: Facts Are Stubborn Things

“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclination, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” – John Adams (1770)    

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First Principles: Without Liberty, Law…Becomes Oppression. Without Law, Liberty…Becomes Licentiousness

“Without liberty, law loses its nature and its name, and becomes oppression. Without law, liberty also loses its nature and its name, and becomes licentiousness.” – James Wilson (1790)    

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