James K. Polk's Quotes

One great object of the Constitution was to restrain majorities from oppressing minorities or encroaching upon their just rights.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

It becomes us in humility to make our devout acknowledgments to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for the inestimable civil and religious blessings with which we are favored.

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

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

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.