A public debt is a public curse. James Madison More Quotes by James Madison More Quotes From James Madison I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. James Madison freedompowerbelieve Good conscience is the most valuable asset of all! James Madison valuableconscienceassets Each generation should be made to bear the burden of its own wars, instead of carrying them on, at the expense of other generations. James Madison libertybearswar The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home. James Madison freedomwarmean But the mild voice of reason, pleading the cause of an enlarged and permanent interest, is but too often drowned, before public bodies as well as individuals, by the clamors of an impatient avidity for immediate and immoderate gain. James Madison voicebodypeople Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms. James Madison governmentguncountry Philosophy is common sense with big words. James Madison common-sensemedicinephilosophy To provide employment for the poor, and support for the indigent, is among the primary, and, at the same time, not least difficult cares of the public authority. James Madison employmentsupportcare The truth was that all men having power ought to be distrusted to a certain degree. James Madison presidentialtruthmen Congress shall never disarm any citizen unless such as are or have been in actual rebellion. James Madison rebellioncongresscitizens To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea. James Madison governmentpeopleideas With respect to the words "general welfare," I have always regarded them as qualified by the detail of powers connected with them. To take them in a literal and unlimited sense would be a metamorphosis of the Constitution into a character which there is a host of proofs was not contemplated by its creators. James Madison libertygovernmentcharacter In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority. James Madison majorityrespectrights It is vain to say that enlightened statesmen will always be able to adjust their interests. Enlightened men will not always be at the helm. James Madison enlightenedablemen Despotism can only exist in darkness. James Madison firmamentdespotismdarkness The ultimate authority resides in the people, and that if the federal government got too powerful and overstepped its authority, then the people would develop plans of resistance and resort to arms. James Madison governmentpowerfulpeople ...Freedom arises from the multiplicity of sects, which prevades America and which is the best and only security for religious liberty in any society. For where there is such a variety of sects, there cannot be a majority of any one sect to oppress and persecute the rest. James Madison religiousamericareligion Charity is no part of the legislative duty of the government. James Madison constitution-of-the-united-statescharitygovernment Our Constitution represents the work of the finger of Almighty God. James Madison almighty-godalmightyconstitution In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself. James Madison libertypowermen
