Quotes by James Madison

I have observed that gentlemen suppose that the general legislature will do every thing mischievous they possibly can, and that they will omit to do every thing good which they are authorized to do. If this were a reasonable supposition, their objections would be good. I consider it reasonable to conclude that they will as readily do their duty as deviate from it; nor do I go on the grounds mentioned by gentlemen on the other side — that we are to place unlimited confidence in them, and expect nothing but the most exalted integrity and sublime virtue. But 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.” James Madison (speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 20 June 1788)

No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.

Wherever the real power in a Government lies, there is the danger of oppression. In our Governments, the real power lies in the majority of the Community, and the invasion of private rights is chiefly to be apprehended, not from the acts of Government contrary to the sense of its constituents, but from acts in which the Government is the mere instrument of the major number of the constituents.

Since the general civilization of mankind I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.

As a man is said to have a right to his property, he may be equally said to have a property in his rights.

The happy Union of these States is a wonder their Constitution a miracle their example the hope of Liberty throughout the world.

In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority.

A man has a property in his opinions and the free communication of them.

The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.

What is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature?

The capacity of the female mind for studies of the highest order cannot be doubted, having been sufficiently illustrated by its works of genius, of erudition, and of science.

To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea.

A sincere and steadfast co-operation in promoting such a reconstruction of our political system as would provide for the permanent liberty and happiness of the United States.

Knowledge will forever govern ignorance and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.

The class of citizens who provide at once their own food and their own raiment, may be viewed as the most truly independent and happy.

What spectacle can be more edifying or more seasonable, than that of Liberty and Learning, each leaning on the other for their mutual and surest support?

Religion flourishes in greater purity, without than with the aid of Government.

And I have no doubt that every new example will succeed, as every past one has done, in showing that religion and Government will both exist in greater purity, the less they are mixed together.

Let me recommend the best medicine in the world: a long journey, at a mild season, through a pleasant country, in easy stages.

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense of a free country.