December 3, 1822 message to the U.S. House and Senate

"Under our happy system, the people are the sole and exclusive fountain of power. Each government originates from them, and to them alone, each to its proper constituents, are they respectively and solely responsible, for the faithful discharge of their duty, within their constitutional limits. And that the people will confine their public agents, of every station, to the strict line of their constitutional duties, there is no cause to doubt...."
.
"The history of the late wars in Europe furnishes a complete demonstration that no system of conduct, however correct in principle, can protect neutral powers from injury from any party; that a defenceless position, and distinguished love of peace, are the surest invitations to war; and that there is no way to avoid it, other than by being always prepared, and willing, for just cause, to meet it. If there be a people on earth whose more especial duty it is to be at all times prepared to defend the rights with which they are blessed, and to surpass all others in sustaining the necessary , and in submitting to sacrifices to make such preparations, it is undoubtedly the people of these states...."
.
- President James Monroe, [Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States, 1822-1823. TUESDAY, December 3, 1822.]