I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. — George Washington Copy Share Image
The Constitution that we have is an excellent one, if we can keep it where it is. — George Washington Copy Share Image
The situation of the general government, if it can be called a government, is shaken to its foundation, and liable to be… — George Washington Copy Share Image
The constitution vests the power of declaring war in Congress; therefore no offensive expedition of importance can be undertaken until after they… — George Washington Copy Share Image
The Constitution which at any time exists, 'till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole People is sacredly obligatory… — George Washington Copy Share Image
Even the country's first president chafed at the limits placed on him by the writers of the U.S. Constitution. From the nature… — George Washington Copy Share Image
Should the States reject this excellent Constitution, the probability is, an opportunity will never again offer to cancel another in peacethe next… — George Washington Copy Share Image
The fundamental principle of our constitution ... enjoins the sense of command, duty that the will of the majority shall prevail. — George Washington Copy Share Image
[T]he foundation of a great Empire is laid, and I please myself with a persuasion, that Providence will not leave its work… — George Washington Copy Share Image
If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it… — George Washington Copy Share Image
The power under the Constitution will always be in the people. It is entrusted for certain defined purposes, and for a certain… — George Washington Copy Share Image
To every description of citizens, let praise be given. but let them persevere in their affectionate vigilance over that precious depository of… — George Washington Copy Share Image
It will at least be a recommendation to the proposed constitution that it is provided with more checks and barriers against the… — George Washington Copy Share Image
Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence… From the… — George Washington Copy Share Image
A tribute . . . is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism, which adorn the characters selected to devise… — George Washington Copy Share Image
Upon the whole I doubt whether the Benefits of opposition to the Constitution opposition to the Constitution will not ultimately be productive… — George Washington Copy Share Image
The tribute that is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism which adorn the characters selected to devise and adopt… — George Washington Copy Share Image
A small knowledge of human nature will convince us, that, with far the greatest part of mankind, interest is the governing principle...… — George Washington Copy Share Image
[The adoption of the Constitution] will demonstrate as visibly the finger of Providence as any possible event in the course of human… — George Washington Copy Share Image
Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples’ liberty’s teeth — George Washington Copy Share Image
Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty, teeth and keystone under independence. The church,… — George Washington Copy Share Image
[M]y wish is, that the Convention may adopt no temporizing expedient, but probe the defects of the Constitution [i.e., the Articles of… — George Washington Copy Share Image
It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free Country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration,… — George Washington Copy Share Image
I wish the constitution, which is offered, had been made more perfect; but I sincerely believe it is the best that could… — George Washington Copy Share Image
If I could have entertained the slightest apprehension that the Constitution framed in the Convention where I had the honor to preside… — George Washington Copy Share Image
Precedents are dangerous things; let the reins of government then be braced and held with a steady hand, and every violation of… — George Washington Copy Share Image
Next Monday the Convention in Virginia will assemble; we have still good hopes of its adoption here: though by no great plurality… — George Washington Copy Share Image
To the security of a free Constitution it [knowledge] contributes in various ways: by teaching the people themselves to know and to… — George Washington Copy Share Image
It is absolutely necessary... for me to have persons that can think for me, as well as execute orders. — George Washington Copy Share Image
The turning points of lives are not the great moments. The real crises are often concealed in occurrences so trivial in appearance that they… — George Washington Copy Share Image
The propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself… — George Washington Copy Share Image
Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the… — George Washington Copy Share Image
In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars. — George Washington Copy Share Image
The blessed Religion revealed in the word of God will remain an eternal and awful monument to prove that the best Institution may be… — George Washington Copy Share Image
While we are contending for our own liberty, we should be very cautious not to violate the conscience of others, ever considering that God… — George Washington Copy Share Image
Among many other weighty objections to the Measure, it has been suggested, that it has a tendency to introduce religious disputes into the Army,… — George Washington Copy Share Image
Democratical States must always feel before they can see: it is this that makes their Governments slow, but the people will be right at… — George Washington Copy Share Image
If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected… — George Washington Copy Share Image
A man's intentions should be allowed in some respects to plead for his actions. — George Washington Copy Share Image
![“[T]he foundation of a great Empire is laid, and I please myself with a persuasion, that Providence will not leave its work imperfect.” quote by George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cc7/george-washington-257_constitution_t-he-foundation-of-a-great-empire-is-lai_1529714.jpg)
![“A tribute . . . is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism, which adorn the characters selected to devise and adopt [the Constitution]. In these honorable qualifications I behold the surest pledges that as on one side no local prejudices or attachments no separate views, nor party…” quote by George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/afb/george-washington-257_animosity_a-tribute-is-due-to-the-talents-the-rect_331519.jpg)
![“[The adoption of the Constitution] will demonstrate as visibly the finger of Providence as any possible event in the course of human affairs can ever designate it.” quote by George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2d6/george-washington-257_adoption_the-adoption-of-the-constitution-will-de_2790459.jpg)
![“[M]y wish is, that the Convention may adopt no temporizing expedient, but probe the defects of the Constitution [i.e., the Articles of Confederation] to the bottom, and provide radical cures.” quote by George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1cb/george-washington-257_articles_m-y-wish-is-that-the-convention-may-adop_2645951.jpg)
![“To the security of a free Constitution it [knowledge] contributes in various ways: by teaching the people themselves to know and to value their own rights, to discern and provide against invasions of them, to distinguish between oppression and the necessary exercise of lawful authority, between…” quote by George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8e8/george-washington-257_authority_to-the-security-of-a-free-constitution-i_2119100.jpg)
