On this day 250 years ago in Philadelphia, John Adams wrote to Col. Hugh Hughes of New York regarding a proposed constitution for New York that would create a

Governor and Councillors for Life or during good Behaviour[.] I should dread Such a Constitution, in these perilous Times, because however wise and brave, and virtuous these Rulers may be at their first appointment, their Tempers, and Designs will be very apt to change, and then they may have it in their Power to betray the People, who will have no Means of Redress. The People ought to have frequently the opportunity, especially in these dangerous Times, of considering the Conduct of their Leaders, and of approving or disapproving. You will have no safety without it.

Source: “John Adams to Hugh Hughes, 4 June 1776,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/06-04-02-0104. [Original source: The Adams Papers, Papers of John Adams, vol. 4, February–August 1776, ed. Robert J. Taylor. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1979, pp. 238–239.]