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: Politics Quotes

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 larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder.

The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder.

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...

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...

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...

The capacity of the female mind for studies of the highest order cannot be doubted,...

The capacity of the female mind for studies of the highest order cannot be doubted,...

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.

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

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

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...

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...

The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.

The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.

The people are the only legitimate fountain of power, and it is from them that...

The people are the only legitimate fountain of power, and it is from them that...

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,...

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.

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...

Whenever a youth is ascertained to possess talents meriting an education which his parents cannot...

Whenever a youth is ascertained to possess talents meriting an education which his parents cannot...

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 have no doubt but that the misery of the lower classes will be found...

I have no doubt but that the misery of the lower classes will be found...

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...

Any reading not of a vicious species must be a good substitute for the amusements...

Any reading not of a vicious species must be a good substitute for the amusements...