Tag Archives: Oliver Ellsworth

First Principles: Liberty Is A Word Which, According As It Is Used, Comprehends the Most Good and the Most Evil of Any In the World

“Liberty is a word which, according as it is used, comprehends the most good and the most evil of any in the world. Justly understood it is sacred next to those which we appropriate in divine adoration; but in the … Continue reading

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First Principles: Liberty Is A Word Which, According As It Is Used, Comprehends The Most Good and the Most Evil of Any In the World. Justly Understood It Is Sacred

“Liberty is a word which, according as it is used, comprehends the most good and the most evil of any in the world. Justly understood it is sacred next to those which we appropriate in divine adoration; but in the … Continue reading

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First Principles: The Powers of Congress Must Be Defined, But Their Means Must Be Adequate To the Purposes of Their Constitution

“The powers of congress must be defined, but their means must be adequate to the purposes of their constitution. It is possible there may be abuses and misapplications; still, it is better to hazard something than to hazard at all.” … Continue reading

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First Principles: Liberty..Justly Understood Is Sacred

“Liberty is a word which, according as it is used, comprehends the most good and the most evil of any in the world. Justly understood it is sacred next to those which we appropriate in divine adoration; but in the … Continue reading

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First Principles: Liberty Is Sacred When Rightly Understood

“Liberty is a word which, according as it is used, comprehends the most good and the most evil of any in the world. Justly understood it is sacred next to those which we appropriate in divine adoration; but in the … Continue reading

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First Principles: On Understanding the Balance Between Liberty and Power

“[I]n the mouths of some [Liberty] means anything, which enervate a necessary government; excite a jealousy of the rulers who are our own choice, and keep society in confusion for want of a power sufficiently concentered to promote good.” – … Continue reading

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