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Fisher Ames Quotes

Former United States Representative

Fisher Ames was a significant figure in the early history of the United States, serving as a Representative from Massachusetts. He was instrumental in drafting the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Ames was born on April 9, 1758, and died on July 4, 1808.

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Famous Fisher Ames Quotes

“Our liberty depends on our education, our laws, and habits . . . it is founded on morals and religion, whose authority reigns in the heart, and on the influence all these produce on public opinion before that opinion governs rulers.”

Heart Law Liberty Moral Opinion Virtue Influence Produce Depends Habit Authority Rulers Reign Public Opinion Morality And Religion Moral Virtues

Book:The influences of democracy on liberty, property, and the happiness of society, considered

Source: The influences of democracy on liberty, property, and the happiness of society, considered

“I am commonly opposed to those who modestly assume the rank of champions of liberty, and make a very patriotic noise about the people. It is the stale artifice which has duped the world a thousand times, and yet, though detected, it is still successful. I love liberty as well as anybody. I am proud of it, as the true title of our people to distinction above others; but . . . I would guard it by making the laws strong enough to protect it.”

Source: Works of Fisher Ames: Memoir, by J. T. Kirkland. Letters

“I consider biennial elections as a security that the sober, second thought of the people shall be law.”

People Law Political Politics Security Election Sober Second Thoughts

Book:Works of Fisher Ames

Source: Works of Fisher Ames