A Moral and Virtuous People

Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. -- John Adams

To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people is a chimerical idea. -- James Madison

Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters. -- Benjamin Franklin

The sum of all is, if we would most truly enjoy the gift of Heaven, let us become a virtuous people; then shall we both deserve and enjoy it. While, on the other hand, if we are universally vicious and debauched in our manners, though the form of our Constitution carries the face of the most exalted freedom, we shall in reality be the most abject slaves. -- Samuel Adams