I never use the word nation in speaking of the United States. I always use the word Union or Confederacy. We are not a nation but a union, a confeder…

- John C. Calhoun

The Union next to our liberties the most dear. May we all remember that it can only be preserved by respecting the rights of the States, and distribu…

- John C. Calhoun

It would be well for those interested to reflect whether there now exists, or ever has existed, a wealthy and civilized community in which one portio…

- John C. Calhoun

In looking back, I see nothing to regret, and little to correct.

- John C. Calhoun

Learn from your mistakes and build on your successes.

- John C. Calhoun

The very essence of a free government consists in considering offices as public trusts, bestowed for the good of the country, and not for the benefit…

- John C. Calhoun

Government has no right to control individual liberty beyond what is necessary to the safety and well-being of society. Such is the boundary which se…

- John C. Calhoun

There never has yet existed a wealthy and civilized society in which one portion of the community did not, in point of fact, live on the labor of the…

- John C. Calhoun

Stripped of all its covering, the naked question is, whether ours is a federal or consolidated government; a constitutional or absolute one; a govern…

- John C. Calhoun