With regards the moral fabric of the citizenry, James Madison, 4th president of the republic, stated his view:
I go on this great republican principle, that the people will have virtue and intelligence to select men of virtue and wisdom. Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks—no form of government can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea. If there be sufficient virtue and intelligence in the community, it will be exercised in the selection of these men. So that we do not depend on their virtue, or put confidence in our rulers, but in the people who are to choose them.
Judicial Powers of the National Government, [20 June] 1788
References
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/01-11-02-0101
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