James K. Polk

“Minorities have a right to appeal to the Constitution as a shield against such oppression.”

“Peace, plenty, and contentment reign throughout our borders, and our beloved country presents a sublime moral spectacle to the world.”

“The passion for office among members of Congress is very great, if not absolutely disreputable, and greatly embarrasses the operations of the Government. They create offices by their own votes and then seek to fill them themselves.”

“The whole frame of the Federal Constitution proves that the government which it creates was intended to be one of limited and specified powers.”

“I am heartily rejoiced that my term is so near its close. I will soon cease to be a servant and will become a sovereign.”

“It is not questioned that the Federal Government is one of limited powers. Its powers are such, and such only, as are expressly granted in the Constitution or are properly incident to the expressly granted powers and necessary to their execution.”

“There is more selfishness and less principle among members of Congress than I had any conception of, before I became President of the U.S.”

“No person can be more deeply sensible than myself of the danger of entangling alliances with any foreign nation. That we should avoid such alliances has become a maxim of our policy consecrated by the most venerated names which adorn our history and sanctioned by the unanimous voice of the American people.”

“Although... the Chief Magistrate must almost of necessity be chosen by a party and stand pledged to its principles and measures, yet in his official action he should not be the President of a party only, but of the whole people of the United States.”

“No president who performs his duties faithfully and conscientiously can have any leisure.”

“With me it is exceptionally true that the Presidency is no bed of roses.”

“Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the true character of our government.”

“The world has nothing to fear from military ambition in our Government.”

“A crowd of persons came in as soon as my office was opened. Among them were several ladies who called to pay their respects. None who called had any business of more importance than an ardent desire to serve their country, provided they could be appointed to a good office. As I has none of these to dispose of, they were, of course, disappointed.”

“Under the benignant providence of Almighty God the representatives of the States and of the people are again brought together to deliberate for the public good.”

“It is of great importance to our country generally, and especially to our navigating and whaling interests, that the Pacific Coast and, indeed, the whole of our territory west of the Rocky Mountains, should speedily be filled up by a hardy and patriotic population.”

“The most energetic and prompt measures and the immediate appearance in arms of a large and overpowering force are recommended to Congress as the most certain and efficient means of bringing the existing collision with Mexico to a speedy and successful termination.”

“Our relations with the various Indian tribes continue to be of a pacific character.”

“Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country's peace and prosperity, and in some degree the hopes and happiness of the whole human family.”

“Senator Badger did not call. During the whole of the last session of Congress, he did not call on me. He is a bitter partisan and is no doubt sensible that during the presidential canvass of 1844, he did me gross injustice.”