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

If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of...

If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of...

Union of religious sentiments begets a surprising confidence.

Union of religious sentiments begets a surprising confidence.

As long as the reason of man continues fallible, and he is at liberty to...

As long as the reason of man continues fallible, and he is at liberty to...

The internal effects of a mutable policy poisons the blessings of liberty itself.

The internal effects of a mutable policy poisons the blessings of liberty itself.

The Constitution preserves the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of...

The Constitution preserves the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of...

In no instance have . . . the churches been guardians of the liberties of...

In no instance have . . . the churches been guardians of the liberties of...

Respect for character is always diminished in proportion to the number among whom the blame...

Respect for character is always diminished in proportion to the number among whom the blame...

There is no maxim, in my opinion, which is more liable to be misapplied, and...

There is no maxim, in my opinion, which is more liable to be misapplied, and...

If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment...

Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment...

I should not regret a fair and full trial of the entire abolition of capital...

I should not regret a fair and full trial of the entire abolition of capital...

Every nation whose affairs betray a want of wisdom and stability may calculate on every...

Every nation whose affairs betray a want of wisdom and stability may calculate on every...

To the press alone, chequered as it is with abuses, the world is indebted for...

To the press alone, chequered as it is with abuses, the world is indebted for...

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...

Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors...

Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors...

The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at...

The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at...

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,...

In no instance have... the churches been guardians of the liberties of the people.

In no instance have... the churches been guardians of the liberties of the people.

The number, the industry, and the morality of the priesthood, and the devotion of the...

The number, the industry, and the morality of the priesthood, and the devotion of the...

The personal right to acquire property, which is a natural right, gives to property, when...

The personal right to acquire property, which is a natural right, gives to property, when...