James K. Polk
James K. Polk

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

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

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

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

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

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

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

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

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

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

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.

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

It is of great importance to our country generally, and especially to our navigating and whaling interests, that the Pacific Coast and, indeed, the whole of our territory west of the Rocky Mountains, should speedily be filled up by a hardy and patriotic population.

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

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.

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

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.

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

I cannot adequately express the horror I feel for a man who can be so base as to veil his hypocrisy under the cloak of religion, and state the base falsehood he has done.

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

The whole frame of the Federal Constitution proves that the government which it creates was intended to be one of limited and specified powers.

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

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

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

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

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

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.

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

The most energetic and prompt measures and the immediate appearance in arms of a large and overpowering force are recommended to Congress as the most certain and efficient means of bringing the existing collision with Mexico to a speedy and successful termination.

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

Our relations with the various Indian tribes continue to be of a pacific character.

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

I would bring the government back to what it was intended to be - a plain economical government.

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

Senator Badger did not call. During the whole of the last session of Congress, he did not call on me. He is a bitter partisan and is no doubt sensible that during the presidential canvass of 1844, he did me gross injustice.

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

It is not questioned that the Federal Government is one of limited powers. Its powers are such, and such only, as are expressly granted in the Constitution or are properly incident to the expressly granted powers and necessary to their execution.

James K. Polk
James K. Polk

A crowd of persons came in as soon as my office was opened. Among them were several ladies who called to pay their respects. None who called had any business of more importance than an ardent desire to serve their country, provided they could be appointed to a good office. As I has none of these to dispose of, they were, of course, disappointed.