To take a single step beyond the text would be to take possession of a boundless field of power. — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
I consider trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man, by which a government can be held to… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
But the Chief Justice says, 'There must be an ultimate arbiter somewhere.' True, there must; but does that prove it is either… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
I do believe that General Washington had not a firm confidence in the durability of our government. He was naturally distrustful of… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
For the power given to Congress by the Constitution does not extend to the internal regulation of the commerce of a State… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
I consider the government of the U.S. as interdicted by the Constitution from intermeddling with religious institutions, their doctrines, discipline, or exercises. — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
I had rather ask an enlargement of power from the nation, where it is found necessary, than to assume it by a… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
Bind them down by the chains of the Constitution where they can do no mischief. — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
I think myself that we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles . The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
Confidence is everywhere the parent of despotism. Free government is founded in jealousy, and not in confidence. — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
[An] act of the Congress of the United States... which assumes powers... not delegated by the Constitution, is not law, but is… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
The principle of the Constitution is that of a separation of legislative, Executive and Judiciary functions, except in cases specified. If this… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
“I am certainly not an advocate for frequent and untried changes in laws and constitutions. I think moderate imperfections had better be… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
[T]he true key for the construction of everything doubtful in a law is the intention of the law-makers. This is most safely… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
I wish it were possible to obtain a single amendment to our Constitution. I would be willing to depend on that alone… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
In matters of religion, I have considered that its free exercise is placed by the Constitution independent of the powers of the… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
In the constitution of Spain as proposed by the late Cortes, there was a principle entirely new to me:... that no person… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
I consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground that 'all powers not delegated to the United States, by… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. . . . We might as well… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
He [Washington] has often declared to me that he considered our new constitution as an experiment on the practicability of republican government,… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution from intermeddling with religious institutions, their doctrines, discipline, or… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
All authority belongs to the people... In questions of power let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
A man has a right to use a saw, an axe, a plane, separately; may he not combine their uses on the same piece… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
I am for freedom of religion, and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendency of one sect over another. — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
“Perceiving the order of nature to be that individual happiness shall be inseparable from the practice of virtue, I am willing to hope it… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
Free government is founded in jealousy, and not in confidence; it is jealousy, and not confidence, which prescribes limited constitutions, to bind down those… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
The two principles on which our conduct towards the Indians should be founded are justice and fear. After the injuries we have done them,… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
Knowledge is power...knowled ge is safety...knowle dge is happiness. — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
There is... an artificial aristocracy founded on wealth and birth, without either virtue or talents... The artificial aristocracy is a mischievous ingredient in government,… — Thomas Jefferson Copy Share Image
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