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

The principles and modes of governments are too important to be disregarded by an inquisitive...

The principles and modes of governments are too important to be disregarded by an inquisitive...

Philosophy is common sense with big words.

Philosophy is common sense with big words.

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...

If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

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 truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted

The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted

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...

Public opinion sets bounds to every government, and is the real sovereign in every free...

Public opinion sets bounds to every government, and is the real sovereign in every free...

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...

Do not separate text from historical background. If you do, you will have perverted and...

Do not separate text from historical background. If you do, you will have perverted and...

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...

All that seems indispensible in stating the account between the dead and the living, is...

All that seems indispensible in stating the account between the dead and the living, is...

The rights of persons, and the rights of property, are the objects, for the protection...

The rights of persons, and the rights of property, are the objects, for the protection...

In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men you must...

In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men you must...

During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What has...

During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What has...

If we are to take for the criterion of truth the majority of suffrages, they...

If we are to take for the criterion of truth the majority of suffrages, they...

Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other...

Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other...

Of all the enemies of public liberty, war is perhaps the most to be dreaded,...

Of all the enemies of public liberty, war is perhaps the most to be dreaded,...

The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores...

The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores...

Despotism can only exist in darkness, and there are too many lights now in the...

Despotism can only exist in darkness, and there are too many lights now in the...