Without thinking or reflecting, we plunge into war, contract heavy debts, increase vastly the patronage of the Executive, and indulge in every species of extravagance, without thinking that we expose our liberty to hazard. It is a great and fatal… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share Image
The danger in our system is that the general government, which represents the interests of the whole, may encroach on the states, which represent… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share
Of the two, I considered it more important to avoid a war with England about Oregon than a war with Mexico, important as I… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share
The error is in the assumption that the General Government is a party to the constitutional compact. The States ... formed the compact, acting… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share
There is not an example on record of any free state holding a province of the same extent and population without disastrous consequences. The… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share
It is a remarkable fact in the political history of man that there is scarcely an instance of a free constitutional government which has… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share
“Nothing is more difficult than to equalize the action of the government in reference to the various and diversified interests of the community; and… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share
I am not one of those who believe that we are bound to vote supplies to cover a deficiency in the treasury whenever called… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share
A power has risen up in the government greater than the people themselves, consisting of many and various and powerful interests, combined into one… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share
It has been lately urged in a very respectable quarter that it is the mission of this country to spread civil and religious liberty… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share
Let a durable and firm peace be established and this government be confined rigidly to the few great objects for which it was instituted,… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share
Once established with Great Britain, it would not be difficult, with moderation and prudence, to establish permanent peace with the rest of the world,… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share
The Government of the absolute majority instead of the Government of the people is but the Government of the strongest interests; and when not… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share
I take higher ground. I hold that in the present state of civilization, where two races of different origin, and distinguished by color, and… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share
Remember, it is a deep principle of our nature not to regard the safety of those who do not regard their own. If you… — John C. Calhoun Copy Share
