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The real wonder is that so many
difficulties should have been surmounted with a unanimity almost as
unprecedented as it must have been expected. It is impossible for any man of
candor to reflect on this circumstance [constitutional convention of 1787]
without partaking of the astonishment. It is impossible for the man of pious
reflection not to perceive in it a finger of that Almighty hand which has
been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical
stages of the revolution.
– James Madison |
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As to my sentiments with
respect to the merits of the new Constitution, I will disclose them without
reserve.... It appears to me ... little short of a miracle, that the
Delegates from so many different States (which States you know are also
different from each other in their manners, circumstances and prejudices)
should unite in forming a system of national government, so little liable to
well founded objections. – George Washington |
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In questions of power,
then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from
mischief by the chains of the Constitution. – Thomas Jefferson |
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"The accumulation of
all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands,
whether of one, a few, or many ... may justly be pronounced the very
definition of tyranny." – James
Madison |
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The constitution supposes, what the
History of all Governments demonstrates, that the Executive is the branch of
power most interested in war, and most prone to it. It has accordingly with
studied care vested the question of war in the Legislature." – James
Madison |
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