restrain majorities from oppressing minorities or encroaching upon
their just rights. Minorities have a right to appeal to the
Constitution as a shield against such oppression.

That the blessings of liberty which our Constitution secures may be
enjoyed alike by minorities and majorities, the Executive has been
wisely invested with a qualified veto upon the acts of the Legislature.
It is a negative power, and is conservative in its character. It
arrests for the time hasty, inconsiderate, or unconstitutional
legislation, invites reconsideration, and transfers questions at issue
between the legislative and executive departments to the tribunal of
the people. Like all other powers, it is subject to be abused. When
judiciously and properly exercised, the Constitution itself may be
saved from infraction and the rights of all preserved and protected.

The inestimable value of our Federal Union is felt and acknowledged by
all. By this system of united and confederated States our people are
permitted collectively and individually to seek their own happiness in
their own way, and the consequences have been most auspicious. Since
the Union was formed the number of the States has increased from
thirteen to twenty-eight; two of these have taken their position as
members of the Confederacy within the last week. Our population has
increased from three to twenty millions. New communities and States are
seeking protection under its aegis, and multitudes from the Old World
are flocking to our shores to participate in its blessings. Beneath its
benign sway peace and prosperity prevail. Freed from the burdens and
miseries of war, our trade and intercourse have extended throughout the
world. Mind, no longer tasked in devising means to accomplish or resist
schemes of ambition, usurpation, or conquest, is devoting itself to
man's true interests in developing his faculties and powers and the