“Government has no right to make itself a party in any debate respecting the principles or modes of forming, or of changing constitutions[federal and state constitutions].  It is not for the benefit of those who exercise the powers of government that constitutions, and the governments issuing from them,  are established.  In all those matters the right of judging and acting are in those who pay, and not in those who receive. ”

“A constitution is the property of a nation, and not of those who exercise the government.  All the constitutions of America are declared to be established on the authority of the people.  …a constitution is a thing antecedent to the government, and always distinct therefrom.”