If any ask me what a free Government is, I answer, that, for any practical purpose, it is what the people think so, - and that they, and not I, are the natural, lawful, and competent judges of this matter.

Liberty, too, must be limited in order to be possessed.

In effect, to follow, not to force the public inclination; to give a direction, a form, a technical dress, and a specific sanction, to the general sense of the…

The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedients, and by parts.

Where there is little or no public opinion, there is likely to be bad government, which sooner or later becomes autocratic government.

The basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we sh…

Democracy means the opportunity to be everyone's slave.