It was remarked yesterday that a numerous representation was necessary to obtain the confidence of the people. This is not generally true. The confidence of the people will easily be gained by a good administration. This is the true touchstone. Alexander Hamilton More Quotes by Alexander Hamilton More Quotes From Alexander Hamilton If the federal government should overpass the just bounds of its authority and make a tyrannical use of its powers, the people, whose creature it is, must appeal to the standard they have formed, and take such measures to redress the injury done to the Constitution as the exigency may suggest and prudence justify. Alexander Hamilton governmentusepeople The powers contained in a constitution...ought to be construed liberally in advancement of the public good. Alexander Hamilton advancementoughtconstitution A promise must never be broken. Alexander Hamilton trustintegritycommitment There may be in every government a few choice spirits, who may act from more worthy motives. One great error is that we suppose mankind more honest than they are. Our prevailing passions are ambition and interest. Alexander Hamilton passionerrorsambition The love for our native land strengthens our individual and national character. Alexander Hamilton individuallandcharacter Perhaps myself the first, at some expense of popularity, to unfold the true character of Jefferson, it is too late for me to become his apologist. Nor can I have any disposition to do it. I admit that his politics are tinctured with fanaticism, that he is too much in earnest in his democracy, that he has been a mischievous enemy to the principle measures of our past administration, that he is crafty & persevering in his objects, that he is not scrupulous about the means of success, nor very mindful of truth, and that he is a contemptible hypocrite. Alexander Hamilton hypocritetruthcharacter In a government framed for durable liberty, not less regard must be paid to giving the magistrate a proper degree of authority, to make and execute the laws with rigour, than to guarding against encroachments upon the rights of the community. As too much power leads to despotism, too little leads to anarchy, and both eventually to the ruin of the people. Alexander Hamilton governmentrightslaw Now, mark my words. So long as we are a young and virtuous people, this instument will bind us together in mutual interests, mutual welfare, and mutual happiness. But when we become old and corrupt, it will bind no longer. Alexander Hamilton mutual-interestlongpeople The art of reading is to skip judiciously. Alexander Hamilton skipreadingart Americans rouse - be unanimous, be virtuous, be firm, exert your courage, trust in Heaven, and nobly defy the enemies both of God and man! Alexander Hamilton menheavenenemy The natural cure for an ill-administration, in a popular or representative constitution, is a change of men. Alexander Hamilton constitutionadministrationmen As to Taxes, they are evidently inseparable from Government. It is impossible without them to pay the debts of the nation, to protect it from foreign danger, or to secure individuals from lawless violence and rapine. Alexander Hamilton debttaxationgovernment The loss of liberty to a generous mind is worse than death. Alexander Hamilton libertymindloss No character, however upright, is a match for constantly reiterated attacks, however false. Alexander Hamilton human-conditioncharacter A fondness for power is implanted in most men, and it is natural to abuse it when acquired. Alexander Hamilton abusepoliticalmen Every individual of the community at large has an equal right to the protection of government. Alexander Hamilton protectioncommunitygovernment You should not have taken advantage of my sensibility to steal into my affections without my consent. Alexander Hamilton affectionstealingtaken Those who do not industrialize become hewers of wood and hawkers of water Alexander Hamilton hawkerswoodswater Nothing could be more ill-judged than that intolerant spirit which has, at all times, characterized political parties. Alexander Hamilton politicalpartyspirit What is the most sacred duty and the greatest source of our security in a Republic? An inviolable respect for the Constitution and Laws. Alexander Hamilton republicsacredlaw
