War, in some instances, especially defensive, has been authorized by Heaven.
From Ezra Stiles
But after the spirit of conquest had changed the first governments, all the succeeding ones have, in general, proved one continued series of injustice, which has reigned in all countries for almost four thousand years.
The greater part of the governments on earth may be termed monarchical aristocracies, or hereditary dominions independent of the people.
We stand a better chance with aristocracy, whether hereditary or elective, than with monarchy.
In justice to human society it may perhaps be said of almost all the polities and civil institutions in the world, however imperfect, that they have been founded in and carried on with very considerable wisdom.
With the people, especially a people seized of property, resides the aggregate of original power.
It should seem, then, that the nature of society dictates another, a higher branch, whose superiority arises from its being the interested and natural conservator of the universal interest.
Let a bill, or law, be read, in the one branch or the other, every one instantly thinks how it will affect his constituents.
The constitutions of Maryland and New York are founded in higher wisdom.
But Connecticut and Rhode Island have originally realized the most perfect polity as to a legislature.
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