What It Means

Constitution

Our peculiar security is in the possession of a written Constitution. Let us not make it a blank paper by construction.”
—Thomas Jefferson

“I entirely concur in the propriety of resorting to the sense in which the Constitution was accepted and ratified by the nation. In that sense alone it is the legitimate Constitution.”
James Madison

“The present Constitution is the standard to which we are to cling. Under its banners, bona fide must we combat our political foes — rejecting all changes but through the channel itself provides for amendments.”
Alexander Hamilton

Section 8

The Utopian schemes of re-distribution of the wealth…are as visionary and impractical as those which vest all property in the Crown. – Samuel Adams

“I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents…”
—James Madison

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1st Amendment

I have sworn upon the altar of Almighty God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. -Thomas Jefferson

Man will ultimately be governed by God or tyrants.-Benjamin Franklin

National Day of Prayer
Continental Congress
20 JUL 1775

National Day of Prayer
President John Adams
9 MAY 1798

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2nd Amendment

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain their right to keep and bear arms is as a last resort to protect themselves against tyranny in government.-Thomas Jefferson

The said constitution shall never be construed to authorize congress to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceful citizens from keeping their own arms.-Samuel Adams

The great object is that every man be armed. Every man who is able may have a gun.-Patrick Henry

Americans need never fear their government because of the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation.-James Madison

Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force you are ruined.-Patrick Henry

Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state.
Thomas Jefferson

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