John Jay on Government

“Nothing is more certain than the indispensable necessity of government; and it is equally undeniable that whenever and however it is instituted, the people must cede to it some of their natural rights, in order to vest it with requisite powers.”

— John Jay, The Federalist, No. 2

John Jay on Security

“Among the many objects to which a wise and free people find it necessary to direct their attention, that of providing for their safety seems to be the first.”

— John Jay, The Federalist, No. 3