For my American friends

"A Constitution is not the act of a Government, but of a people constituting a government, and a government without a constitution is a power without right." Thomas Paine

"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government -- lest it come to dominate our lives and interests." Patrick Henry

“Government is not reason, it is not eloquence - it is a force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.” George Washington