We make a great mistake in supposing all people are capable of self-government. John C. Calhoun Read Quote
I am impressed with the belief that our naval force ought not to cost more in proportion than the British. In some things they may have the advantage, but we will be found to have equally great in others. John C. Calhoun Read Quote
Fanatics, as a class, have far more zeal than intellect and are fanatics only because they have. There can be no fanaticism but where there is more passion than reason; and hence, in the nature of things, movements originating in it run down in a short time by their folly and extravagance. John C. Calhoun Read Quote
In my opinion, any navy less than that which would give us the habitual command of our own coast and seas would be little short of useless. John C. Calhoun Read Quote
What we want, above all things on earth in our public men, is independence. It is one great defect in the character of the public men of America that there is that real want of independence; and, in this respect, a most marked contrast exists between public men in this country and in Great Britain. John C. Calhoun Read Quote
The framers of our constitution had the sagacity to vest in Congress all implied powers: that is, powers necessary and proper to carry into effect all the delegated powers wherever vested. John C. Calhoun Read Quote
I am not one of those who believe that we are bound to vote supplies to cover a deficiency in the treasury whenever called on, without investigating the causes which occasioned it. John C. Calhoun Read Quote
England has not wholly escaped the curse which must ever befall a free government which holds extensive provinces in subjection; for, although she has not lost her liberty or fallen into anarchy, yet we behold the population of England crushed to the earth by the superincumbent weight of debt and taxation, which may one day terminate in revolution. John C. Calhoun Read Quote
There is often, in the affairs of government, more efficiency and wisdom in non-action than in action. John C. Calhoun Read Quote
