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.

Quote by James Madison

Topics: James Madison Quotes

Philosophy is common sense with big words.

Philosophy is common sense with big words.

The loss of liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger,...

The loss of liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger,...

By rendering the labor of one, the property of the other, they cherish pride, luxury,...

By rendering the labor of one, the property of the other, they cherish pride, luxury,...

The Constitution of the United States was created by the people of the United States...

The Constitution of the United States was created by the people of the United States...

Learned institutions ought to be favorite objects with every free people. They throw that light...

Learned institutions ought to be favorite objects with every free people. They throw that light...

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

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

In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great...

In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great...

The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.

The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.

What prudent merchant will hazard his fortunes in any new branch of commerce when he...

What prudent merchant will hazard his fortunes in any new branch of commerce when he...

Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of...

Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of...

The people are the only legitimate fountain of power, and it is from them that...

The people are the only legitimate fountain of power, and it is from them that...

Another of my wishes is to depend as little as possible on the labor of...

Another of my wishes is to depend as little as possible on the labor of...

A good government implies two things: fidelity to the object of government, which is the...

A good government implies two things: fidelity to the object of government, which is the...

The nation which reposes on the pillow of political confidence, will sooner or later end...

The nation which reposes on the pillow of political confidence, will sooner or later end...

The rights of man as the foundation of just Government had been long understood; but...

The rights of man as the foundation of just Government had been long understood; but...

I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted...

I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted...

Whenever a youth is ascertained to possess talents meriting an education which his parents cannot...

Whenever a youth is ascertained to possess talents meriting an education which his parents cannot...

The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human...

The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human...

Do not ask what the Government can do for you. Ask why it doesn't.

Do not ask what the Government can do for you. Ask why it doesn't.

Strongly guarded as is the separation between religion and government in the Constitution of the...

Strongly guarded as is the separation between religion and government in the Constitution of the...

There must be, not a balance of power, but a community of power; not organized...

There must be, not a balance of power, but a community of power; not organized...