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

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

The class of citizens who provide at once their own food and their own raiment,...

The class of citizens who provide at once their own food and their own raiment,...

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 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...

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 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,...

If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is...

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is...

The safety and happiness of society are the objects at which all political institutions aim,...

The safety and happiness of society are the objects at which all political institutions aim,...

The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money.

The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money.

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...

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...

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is...

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is...

What spectacle can be more edifying or more seasonable, than that of Liberty and Learning,...

What spectacle can be more edifying or more seasonable, than that of Liberty and Learning,...

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...