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

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...

The executive has no right, in any case, to decide the question, whether there is...

The executive has no right, in any case, to decide the question, whether there is...

A standing army is one of the greatest mischief that can possibly happen

A standing army is one of the greatest mischief that can possibly happen

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...

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...

Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.

Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.

Commercial shackles are generally unjust, oppressive, and impolitic.

Commercial shackles are generally unjust, oppressive, and impolitic.

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...

It is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be...

It is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be...

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...

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...

A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a...

A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a...

I go on the principle that a public debt is a public curse, and in...

I go on the principle that a public debt is a public curse, and in...

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...

Each generation should be made to bear the burden of its own wars, instead of...

Each generation should be made to bear the burden of its own wars, instead of...

Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly...

Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly...

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...

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...

When the government's boot is on your throat, whether it is a left boot or...

When the government's boot is on your throat, whether it is a left boot or...

If human beings are fundamentally good, no government is necessary; if they are fundamentally bad,...

If human beings are fundamentally good, no government is necessary; if they are fundamentally bad,...