"The idea of a constitutional democracy is that political power is to be exercised according to a constitution that is publicly affirmed by all citizens."

"The idea of public reason is not a limit on individual thought, but a limit on how citizens are to present their political arguments to one another."

"The difference principle requires that inequalities work to the benefit of the least advantaged."

"A conception of justice is stable if, when the basic structure of society is publicly known to satisfy its principles for an extended period, those subject to these arrangements acquire a sense of jus…"

"Justice is the standard by which the competing claims of individuals and groups are to be assessed."