The diversity in the faculties of men, from which the rights of property originate, is not less an insuperable obstacle to an uniformity of interests. The protection of these faculties is the first object of government. James Madison on government
What is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. James Madison on government
To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea. James Madison on government
A pure democracy is a society consisting of a small number of citizens, who assemble and administer the government in person. James Madison on government
The rights of persons, and the rights of property, are the objects, for the protection of which Government was instituted. James Madison on government
Religion flourishes in greater purity, without than with the aid of Government. James Madison on government
In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority. James Madison on great
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 on great
To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea. James Madison on happiness
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. James Madison on happiness
The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home. James Madison on home
The loss of liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger, real or imagined, from abroad. James Madison on home
It is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger, real or pretended, from abroad. James Madison on home
Perhaps it is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be charged to provisions against danger, real or pretended, from abroad. James Madison on home
The happy Union of these States is a wonder their Constitution a miracle their example the hope of Liberty throughout the world. James Madison on hope
Knowledge will forever govern ignorance and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives. James Madison on knowledge
The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty. James Madison on knowledge
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? James Madison on learning
It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood. James Madison on men
If men were angels, no government would be necessary. James Madison on men