The Federal and State Governments are in fact but different agents and trustees of the people, instituted with different powers, and designated for different purposes.
James Madison in Federalist No. 46
Category: American Affairs
A gross, invidious possibility
… who can think it possible that the president and two-thirds of the senate will ever be capable of such unworthy conduct. The idea is too gross and invidious to be entertained. But in such a case, if it should ever happen, the [ruling] so obtained … would, like all other fraudulent contracts, be null and void by the laws of the nations.
John Jay in Federalist No. 64
My, times have changed
If the federal Government is to have collectors of revenue, [they] will principally be on the sea-coast.
James Madison in Federalist No. 45
On the Senate as a court of impeachment
… the senate, who will merely sanction the choice of the executive, should feel a bypass towards the objects of that choice, strong enough to blind them to the evidences of guilt so extraordinary as to have induced the representatives of the nation to become its accusers.
Alexander Hamilton in Federalist No. 66
Another balance of power
The operations of the Federal Government will be the most extensive and important in times of war and danger; those of the State Governments, in times of peace and security.
James Madison in Federalist No. 45
On the importance of personal means
In the general course of human nature, a power over a man’s subsistence amounts to a power over his will.
Alexander Hamilton in Federalist No. 79
Given enough time
A bad cause seldom fails to betray itself.
James Madison in Federalist No. 41
Avoiding a hydra
The mere necessity of uniformity in the interpretation of the national laws decides the question. Thirteen independent courts of final jurisdiction over the same causes, arising upon the same laws, is a hydra in government, from which nothing but contradiction and confusion can proceed.
Alexander Hamilton in Federalist No. 80
Let’s be honest
The only reason to buy an assault rifle is to kill other people. Do you want that on your conscience? If you have one?
On the difficulties of legislating
The history of almost all the great councils and consultations, held among mankind for reconciling their discordant opinions, assuaging their mutual jealousies, and adjusting their respective interests, is a history of factions, contentions, and disappointments; and may be classed among the most dark and degrading pictures which display the infirmities and depravities of the human character.
James Madison in Federalist No. 37
Jnana's Red Barn 