Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded, because they flatter the people, in order to betray them.

~ Joseph Story

Joseph Story Wise People Fall

A good government implies two things; first, fidelity to the objects of the government; secondly, a knowledge of the means, by which those objects can be best attained.

~ Joseph Story

Joseph Story Good Best Government

A feeble executive implies a feeble execution of the government.

~ Joseph Story

Joseph Story Execution Executive Feeble

And it is no less true, that personal security and private property rest entirely upon the wisdom, the stability, and the integrity of the courts of justice.

~ Joseph Story

Joseph Story Integrity Justice Security