"It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of the government, a real despotism. Let there be no change by usurpation; for though this may be in one instance, the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed." WASHINGTON's Farewell Address. |