Big Easy Magazine has gathered together quotes from the country’s first presidents that are relevant in today’s America.

“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” – George Washington

“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” – John Adams

“No government ought to be without censors; and where the press is free no one ever will.” – Thomas Jefferson

“If tyranny and oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.” – James Madison

“It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising their sovereignty.” – James Monroe

“Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the weak; and that it is doing God’s service when it is violating all his laws.” – John Quincy Adams

“It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their own selfish purposes.” – Andrew Jackson

“There is a power in public opinion in this country – and I thank God for it: for it is the most honest and best of all powers – which will not tolerate an incompetent or unworthy man to hold in his weak or wicked hands the lives and fortunes of his fellow-citizens.” – Martin Van Buren

“The chains of military despotism, once fastened upon a nation, ages might pass away before they could be shaken off.” William Henry Harrison

“Popularity I have always thought, may aptly be compared to a coquette – the more you woo her, the more apt is she to elude your embrace” – John Tyler

This piece was compiled by Jenn Bentley.