Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined.
Patrick Henry (1736-1799)
Virginia's Ratification convention, 1788
The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.
James Madison (1751-1836)