11. Duty of Citizens
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Three things NOT to do
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“But it follows, from no view of the subject, that a nullification of a law of the U. S. can as is now contended, belong rightfully to a single State, as one of the parties to the Constitution; the State not ceasing to avow its adherence to the Constitution. A plainer contradiction in terms, or a more fatal inlet to anarchy, cannot be imagined.”
– James Madison in response to the South
Carolina nullification crisis of the early 1830s
SECTION ELEVEN: Duty of Citizens
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“Let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule in the fear of God.… [I]f the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted … If [our] government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the Divine commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the laws.”xxxix
– Noah Webster
SECTION ELEVEN: Duty of Citizens
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“Finally ye . . . whose power it is to save or destroy your country, consider well the important trust . . . which God… has put into your hands. To God and posterity, you are accountable for them. . . Let not your children have reason to curse you for giving up those rights, and prostrating those institutions which your fathers delivered to you.”xl
– Reverend Matthias Burnett
“DUTY IS OURS, RESULTS ARE GOD’S.”
– John Quincy Adams
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SECTION ELEVEN: Duty of Citizens
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