16+ Gouverneur Morris Quotes (Political, Visionary And Leader)

Gouverneur Morris was an American statesman and Founding Father who was an influential figure in the drafting of the United States Constitution. He also represented Pennsylvania at the Constitutional Convention and served as a United States Senator from New York. Morris was known for his eloquence and wit, and was an early advocate for a strong central government.

The rich will strive to establish their dominion and enslave the rest. They always did...they always will. They will have the same effect here as elsewhere, if we do not, by the power of government, keep them in their proper spheres. — Gouverneur Morris

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. — Gouverneur Morris

Religion is the only solid Base of morals and that Morals are the only possible Support of free governments. — Gouverneur Morris

The education of young citizens ought to form them to good manners, to accustom them to labor, to inspire them with a love of order, and to impress them with respect for. lawful authority. Religion is the only solid basis of good morals; therefore education should teach the precepts of religion, and the duties of man towards God. — Gouverneur Morris

Religion is the solid basis of good morals; therefore education should teach the precepts of religion, and the duties of man toward God. — Gouverneur Morris

If the people should elect, they will never fail to prefer some man of distinguished character, or services; some man, if he might so speak of continental reputation. — Gouverneur Morris

In adopting the republican form of government, I not only took it as a man does his wife, for better, for worse, but, what few men do with their wives, I took it knowing all its bad qualities. — Gouverneur Morris

He asks how the evil is to be remedied. I tell him that there seems to be little chance for avoiding the extremes of despotism or anarchy; that the only ground of hope must be the morals of the people, but that these are, I fear, too corrupt. — Gouverneur Morris

Each state enjoys sovereign power. — Gouverneur Morris

The trial of Zenger in 1735 was the germ of American freedom, the morning star of that liberty which subsequently revolutionized America. — Gouverneur Morris

[F]or avoiding the extremes of despotism or anarchy . . . the only ground of hope must be on the morals of the people. I believe that religion is the only solid base of morals and that morals are the only possible support of free governments. [T]herefore education should teach the precepts of religion and the duties of man towards God. — Gouverneur Morris

Nine-tenths of the people are at present freeholders... The time is not distant when this country will abound with mechanics and manufacturers who will receive their bread from their employers. Will such men be the secure and faithful guardians of liberty? Give the votes to people who have no property, and they will sell them to the rich who will be able to buy them. — Gouverneur Morris

Americans need never fear their government because of the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation. — Gouverneur Morris

There must be religion. When that ligament is torn, society is disjointed and its members perish... [T]he most important of all lessons is the denunciation of ruin to every state that rejects the precepts of religion. — Gouverneur Morris

This magistrate is not the king. The people are the king. — Gouverneur Morris

Give the vote to the people who have no property, and they will sell them to the rich, who will be able to buy them. — Gouverneur Morris

Life Lessons by Gouverneur Morris

Gouverneur Morris was an American statesman who demonstrated the power of compromise and collaboration to achieve progress. He was a key figure in the drafting of the United States Constitution and an advocate for the abolition of slavery. His example of leadership and commitment to the common good can be an inspiration to all who seek to make a difference in their communities.