Jefferson sometimes approved prosecutions under state law for criminal libel.^[269] The early history of the First Amendment demonstrates that political leaders are indeed prone to going back on promises and violating their principles.  And so it reminds us that freedom to expose, criticize and oppose those in power or those who seek power is indeed at the heart of government that is by, for and of the people in any meaningful sense. 

[269] See footnote 160 above.