Henry Clay on government

The Constitution of the United States was made not merely for the generation that then existed, but for posterity⁠—unlimited, undefined, endless, perpetual posterity.

An oppressed people are authorized, whenever they can, to rise and break their fetters.

The arts of power and its minions are the same in all countries and in all ages. It marks its victim; denounces it; and excites the public odium and the public hatred, to conceal its own abuses and encroachments.

The best government is that which governs least.

John L. O'Sullivan1813–1895Often credited to Thomas Paine

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.

The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.