There is no maxim, in my opinion, which is more liable to be misapplied, and which, therefore, more needs elucidation, than the current one, that the interest of the majority is the political standard of right and wrong.

Quote by James Madison

Topics: James Madison Quotes

And I have no doubt that every new example will succeed, as every past one...

And I have no doubt that every new example will succeed, as every past one...

Wherever there is interest and power to do wrong, wrong will generally be done.

Wherever there is interest and power to do wrong, wrong will generally be done.

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 truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted

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

If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

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...

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...

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

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

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 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...

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...

A well-instructed people alone can be permanently a free people.

A well-instructed people alone can be permanently a free people.

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...

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...

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,...

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

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

Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.

Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.

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.

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 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...