James K. Polk quotes

James K. Polk was the 11th president of the United States and a key figure in American expansionism during the 19th century. His leadership resulted in the significant territorial growth of the country through the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Treaty, and the Mexican-American War. He is remembered for fulfilling his campaign promises and shaping the future map of the United States. Here are 26 of his quotes:

There is more selfishness and less principle among members of Congress, as well as others, than I had any conception [of], before I became President of the U. S. (James K. Polk)
With me it is exceptionally true that the Presidency is no bed of roses. View quote
James K. Polk
Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the true character of our government. View quote
James K. Polk
Thank God, under our Constitution there was no connection between church and state. View quote
James K. Polk
The world has nothing to fear from military ambition in our Government. View quote
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. View quote
James K. Polk
Although in our country 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 part only, but of the whole people of the United States. View quote
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. View quote
James K. Polk
The passion for office among members of Congress is very great, if not absolutely disreputable, and greatly embarrasses the operations of the government. They create offices by their own votes and then seek to fill them themselves. View quote
James K. Polk
Under the benignant providence of Almighty God the representatives of the States and of the people are again brought together to deliberate for the public good. The gratitude of the nation to the sovereign arbiter of all human events should be commensurate with the boundless blessings which we enjoy. Peace, plenty, and contentment reign throughout our borders, and our beloved country presents a sublime moral spectacle to the world. View quote
James K. Polk
Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country's peace and prosperity, and in some degree the hopes and happiness of the whole human family. (James K. Polk)
No president who performs his duties faithfully and conscientiously can have any leisure. View quote
James K. Polk
One great object of the Constitution was to restrain majorities from oppressing minorities or encroaching upon their just rights. View quote
James K. Polk
Peace, plenty, and contentment reign throughout our borders, and our beloved country presents a sublime moral spectacle to the world. View quote
James K. Polk
Minorities have a right to appeal to the Constitution as a shield against such oppression. View quote
James K. Polk
Under the benignant providence of Almighty God the representatives of the States and of the people are again brought together to deliberate for the public good. View quote
James K. Polk
I love you Sarah. For all eternity, I love you. View quote
James K. Polk
We must ever mandate the principle that the people of this continent alone have the right to decide their own destiny. View quote
James K. Polk
There are four great measures for my administration - a reduction of tariff, an independent treasury, settlement of the Oregon boundary and acquisition of California. View quote
James K. Polk
The gratitude ... should be commensurate with the boundless blessings which we enjoy. View quote
James K. Polk
No president who performs his duties faithfully and conscientiously can have any leisure. If he entrusts the details and smaller matters to subordinates constant errors will occur. I prefer to supervise the whole operations of the government myself rather than entrust the public business to subordinates, and this makes my duties very great. (James K. Polk)
No union exists between church and state, and perfect freedom of opinion is guaranteed to all sects and creeds. View quote
James K. Polk
I prefer to supervise the whole operations of the government myself rather than entrust the public business to subordinates, and this makes my duties very great. View quote
James K. Polk
By the theory of our Government majorities rule, but this right is not an arbitrary or unlimited one. It is a right to be exercised in subordination to the Constitution and in conformity to it. One great object of the Constitution was to restrain majorities from oppressing minorities or encroaching upon their just rights. View quote
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. View quote
James K. Polk