The U.S. presidency is a Tudor monarchy plus telephones.

The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure it is right.

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

It is impossible to tell which of the two dispositions we find in men is more harmful in a republic, that which seeks to maintain an established position or that which has none but seeks to acquire it.

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

Out of the crooked timber of humanity no straight thing was ever made.

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.

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

My people and I have come to an agreement that satisfies us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please.

The first requirement of a statesman is that he be dull.

I am no courtesan, nor moderator, nor tribune, nor defender of the people: I am myself the people.

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all.