A government by the passions of the multitude, or, no less correctly, according to the vices, and ambitions of their leaders is… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
The people as a body cannot deliberate. Nevertheless, they will feel an irresistible impulse to act, and their resolutions will be dictated… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
Democracy, in its best state, is but the politics of Bedlam; while kept chained, its thoughts are frantic, but when it breaks… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
I consider biennial elections as a security that the sober, second thought of the people shall be law. — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
[O]ur sages in the great [constitutional] convention... intended our government should be a republic which differs more widely from a democracy than… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
The rights of conscience, of bearing arms, of changing the government, are declared to be inherent in the people. — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
The happiness of a people, and the good order and preservation of civil government, essentially depend on piety, religion, and morality. — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
[the framers of the Constitution] intended our government should be a republic, which differs more widely from a democracy than a democracy… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
All such men are, or ought to be, agreed, that simple governments are despotisms; and of all despotisms, a democracy, though the… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
We are not to consider ourselves, while here, as at church or school, to listen to the harangues of speculative piety; we… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
A government by the passions of the multitude, or, no less correctly, according to the vices, and ambitions of their leaders is a democracy. — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
I am commonly opposed to those who modestly assume the rank of champions of liberty, and make a very patriotic noise about the people.… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
The people as a body cannot deliberate. Nevertheless, they will feel an irresistible impulse to act, and their resolutions will be dictated to them… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
Liberty is not to be enjoyed, indeed it cannot exist, without the habits of just subordination; it consists, not so much in removing all… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
Our liberty depends on our education, our laws, and habits . . . it is founded on morals and religion, whose authority reigns in… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
Democracy, in its best state, is but the politics of Bedlam; while kept chained, its thoughts are frantic, but when it breaks loose, it… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
Why then, if these new books for children must be retained, as they will be, should not the Bible regain the place it once… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
No man can be a sound lawyer in this land who is not well read in the ethics of Moses and the virtues of… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
[Why] should not the Bible regain the place it once held as a school book? Its morals are pure, its examples captivating and noble.… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
I have heard it remarked that men are not to be reasoned out of an opinion they have not reasoned themselves into. — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
I consider biennial elections as a security that the sober, second thought of the people shall be law. — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
Time never fails to bring every exalted reputation to a strict scrutiny. — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image