Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time.

Do that which consists in taking no action, and order will prevail.

It is a certain sign of a wise government and proceeding, when it can hold men’s hearts by hopes, when it cannot by satisfaction.

The most hateful torment for men is to have knowledge of everything but power over nothing.

If you must take care that your opinions do not differ in the least from those of the person with whom you are talking, you might just as well be alone.

To be turned from one’s course by men’s opinions, by blame, and by misrepresentation shows a man unfit to hold office.

I’m president of the United States, and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli!

I shall be an autocrat: that’s my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that’s his.

Sic semper tyrannis! The South is avenged.

The more corrupt the republic, the more numerous the laws.

A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul.

You have all the characteristics of a popular politician: a horrible voice, bad breeding, and a vulgar manner.