What is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.

Quote by James Madison

Topics: Government Quotes

Perhaps it is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to...

Perhaps it is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to...

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...

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

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

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

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

Learned institutions ought to be favorite objects with every free people. They throw that light...

Learned institutions ought to be favorite objects with every free people. They throw that light...

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...

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

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

The number, the industry, and the morality of the priesthood, and the devotion of the...

The number, the industry, and the morality of the priesthood, and the devotion of the...

To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue...

To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue...

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,...

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

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

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...

Where an excess of power prevails, property of no sort is duly respected. No man...

Where an excess of power prevails, property of no sort is duly respected. No man...

Despotism can only exist in darkness, and there are too many lights now in the...

Despotism can only exist in darkness, and there are too many lights now in the...

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...

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...

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

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

Philosophy is common sense with big words.

Philosophy is common sense with big words.

Union of religious sentiments begets a surprising confidence.

Union of religious sentiments begets a surprising confidence.

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...