communities divide themselves into the few and the many. The first are the rich and well born, the other the mass of the people...The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge or determine right. Give therefore to the first class a distinct, permanent share [stake] in the government. They will check the unsteadiness of the second, and as they cannot receive any advantage by a change, they therefore will ever maintain good government.”
- Alexander Hamilton, Constitutional Convention debate, June 18, 1787


“A government is republican in proportion as every member composing it has his equal voice in the direction of its concerns (not indeed in person, which would be impracticable beyond the limits of a city, or small township, but) by representatives chosen by himself, and responsible to him [regularly].”
- Thomas Jefferson, letter to Samuel Kerchival, July 12, 1816