Quotes from James Monroe

The American continents… are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.

The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.

National honor is national property of the highest value.

In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy so to do.

The great increase of our population throughout the Union will alone produce an important effect, and in no quarter will it be so sensibly felt as in those in contemplation.

Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was success so complete. If we look to the history of other nations, ancient or modern, we find no example of a growth so rapid, so gigantic, of a people so prosperous and happy.

The Executive is charged officially in the Departments under it with the disbursement of the public money, and is responsible for the faithful application of it to the purposes for which it is raised. The Legislature is the watchful guardian over the public purse. It is its duty to see that the disbursement has been honestly made.

The movements of a great nation are connected in all their parts. If errors have been committed they ought to be corrected; if the policy is sound it ought to be supported.

We must support our rights or lose our character, and with it, perhaps, our liberties.

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 burthens, and in submitting to sacrifices to make such preparations, it is undoubtedly the people of these states.

Our country may be likened to a new house. We lack many things, but we possess the most precious of all - liberty!

I regret that I should leave this world without again beholding him.

If we look to the history of other nations, ancient or modern, we find no example of a growth so rapid, so gigantic, of a people so prosperous and happy.

In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, not does it comport with our policy so to do. It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for our defence.

If America wants concessions, she must fight for them. We must purchase our power with our blood.

The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.

If it was wise, manly, and patriotic for us to establish a free government, it is equally wise to attend to the necessary means of its preservation.

[In a republic,] it is not the people themselves who make the decisions, but the people they themselves choose to stand in their places.

It is the knowledge that all men have weaknesses and that many have vices that makes government necessary.

A free, virtuous, and enlightened people must know full well the great principles and causes upon which their happiness depends.

If we look to the history of other nations, ancient or modern, we find no example of a growth so rapid, so gigantic, of a people so prosperous and happy.

Preparation for war is a constant stimulus to suspicion and ill will.

The liberty, prosperity, and the happiness of our country will always be the object of my most fervent prayers to the Supreme Author of All Good.

Let us by wise and constitutional measures promote intelligence among the people as the best means of preserving our liberties.