Thomas Jefferson
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Thomas Jefferson
I had rather ask for an enlargement of power from the nation, where it is found necessary, than to assume it by a construction which would make our powers boundless. Our peculiar security is in possession of a written Constitution. Let us not make it a blank paper by construction. (letter to Wilson Nicholas, September 7, 1803)
The Constitution on which our Union rests shall be administered by me according to the safe and honest meaning contemplated by the plain understanding of the people at the time of its adoption — a meaning to be found in the explanations of those who advocated it. (letter to Mesrs. Eddy, Russel, Thurber, Wheaton and Smith, March 27, 1801)
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