“It is certain in Theory, that the only moral Foundation of Government is the Consent of the People. But to what an Extent Shall We carry this Principle? Shall We Say, that every Individual of the Community, old and young, male and female, as well as rich and poor, must consent, expressly to every Act of Legislation? No, you will Say. This is impossible. How then does the Right arise in the Majority to govern the Minority, against their Will? Whence arises the Right of the Men to govern Women, without their Consent? Whence the Right of the old to bind the Young, without theirs.”

John Adams

~ John Adams
(1735-1826) Founding Father, 2nd US President
John Adams to James Sullivan, 26 May 1776, Papers 4:208--12
https://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/v1ch13s10.html