“The very essence of a free government consists in considering offices as public trusts, bestowed for the good of the country, and not for the benefit of an individual or a party.” — John C. Calhoun, Speech (February 13, 1835)
“He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself.” — Thomas Paine, First Principles Of Government (1795)
“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” — Thomas Jefferson, Letter to Colonel Charles Yancey (January 6, 1816)
“Real Patriots, who may resist the intrigues of the favourite, are liable to become suspected and odious; while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests.” — George Washington, Farewell Address (1796)
“The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty.” — John Adams, Notes for an oration at Braintree (Spring 1772)
“I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpation.” — James Madison, Speech at the Virginia Convention to ratify the Federal Constitution (June 6, 1788)
“Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” — Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania (1759)
“The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary.” — H. L. Mencken, In Defense of Women (1917)
“I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.” — Barry Goldwater, Acceptance Speech at the 1964 Republican Convention