Thirteen governments [of the original states] thus…

Thirteen governments [of the original states] thus founded on the natural authority of the people alone, without a pretence of miracle or mystery, and which are destined to spread over the northern part of that whole quarter of the globe, are a great point gained in favor of the rights of mankind.

By: John Adams

Year: 1787

This quote is from – A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America