The people are the only legitimate fountain of power, and it is from them that the constitutional charter, under which the several branches of government hold their power, is derived.

Quote by James Madison

Topics: Government Quotes

The happy Union of these States is a wonder; their Constitution a miracle; their example...

The happy Union of these States is a wonder; their Constitution a miracle; their example...

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...

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...

Experience has proved that the real danger to America and to liberty lies in the...

Experience has proved that the real danger to America and to liberty lies in the...

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...

War contains so much folly, as well as wickedness, that much is to be hoped...

War contains so much folly, as well as wickedness, that much is to be hoped...

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...

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,...

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...

All men having power ought to be distrusted to a certain degree.

All men having power ought to be distrusted to a certain degree.

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...

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...

A sincere and steadfast co-operation in promoting such a reconstruction of our political system as...

A sincere and steadfast co-operation in promoting such a reconstruction of our political system as...

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...

As a man is said to have a right to his property, he may be...

As a man is said to have a right to his property, he may be...

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...

Liberty and order will never be perfectly safe, until a trespass on the constitutional provisions...

Liberty and order will never be perfectly safe, until a trespass on the constitutional provisions...

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...

No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.

No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.

A man has a property in his opinions and the free communication of them.

A man has a property in his opinions and the free communication of them.