American Quotations by William J. Federer 2024

Federalist Papers (1787-1788) were a series of articles explaining the need for, and urging the ratification of the United States Constitution by the individual State governments. These articles, which were published in New York newspapers, were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay under the pen name of "Publius." Without the powerful arguments presented in The Federalist Papers, the Constitution most likely would not have been ratified. Federalist No. 47: <When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person or body, there can be no liberty, because apprehensions may arise lest the same monarch or...

Congress of the Confederation (1787) passed an act in which special lands were designated: <...for the sole use of Christian Indians and the Moravian Brethren missionaries, for civilizing the Indians and promoting Christianity. [This act was extended three times during President Thomas Jefferson's administration.]> 1787CC001 -- American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement. Endnotes: 1787CC001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Congress of the Confederation, 1787, under the Articles of Confederation, approved a Treaty with the Kaskaskia Indians, extended under President Thomas Jefferson, December 3, 1803; also in the Treaty with the...

Vermont Constitution (July 4, 1786): Whereas all government ought to be instituted and supported for the security and protection of the community as such, and to enable the individuals, who compose it, to enjoy their natural rights, and the other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed upon man: and whenever those great ends of government are not obtained, the people have a right, by common consent, to change it, and take such measures as to them may appear necessary to promote their safety and happiness... CHAPTER 1, A DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE, INHABITANTS OF THE STATE...

New Hampshire Proclamation (February 21, 1786) issued under President (Governor) John Langdon of New Hampshire, a Proclamation for a Day of Public Fasting and Prayer: <A Proclamation For A Day of Public FASTING and PRAYER Throughout this State. Vain is the acknowledgement of a Supreme Ruler of the Universe, unless such acknowledgements influence our practice, and call forth those expressions of homage and adoration that are due to his character and providential government, agreeably to the light of nature, enforced by revelation, and countenanced by the practice of civilized nations, in humble and fervent application to the throne for needed...

Virginia Statute of Religious of Freedom (January 16, 1786) stated: <Well aware that the opinions and belief of men depend not on their own will, but follow involuntarily the evidence proposed to their minds; that Almighty God hath created the mind free, and manifested his supreme will that free it shall remain by making it altogether insusceptible of restraint; that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments, or burthens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, who being lord...