We shall never be abandoned by Heaven while we act worthy of its aid and protection
Samuel AdamsRead
The Constitution be never construed to authorize Congress to infringe the just liberty of the press, or the rights of conscience; or to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of press freedom and the right to bear arms as fundamental liberties that should not be infringed upon.
Samuel Adams' quote reflects the belief that the Constitution should protect essential civil liberties, specifically the freedom of the press and the right of individuals to possess arms for their own defense. By asserting that Congress should not infringe upon these rights, it highlights the vital role of these freedoms in maintaining a just society and the necessity for peaceable citizens to safeguard their personal liberties.
Themes
ConstitutionPress FreedomCivil LibertiesArms RightsPolitical Rights
In practice
Example use cases
Citing this quote during a debate about press censorship.
More from Samuel Adams
All quotes →Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust must be men of unexceptionable characters.
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If taxes are laid upon us in any shape without our having a legal representation where they are laid, are we not reduced from the character of free subjects to the miserable state of tributary slaves? We claim British rights not by charter only! We are born to them.
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Let no man thirst for good beer.
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He therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man.
Samuel AdamsRead
We boast of our freedom, and we have your example for it. We talk the language we have always heard you speak.
Samuel AdamsRead
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