“But we are always to keep in mind that it is safer to trust the consequences of a right principle, than reasonings in support of a bad one.”
— James Madison
“The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted.”
— James Madison
“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”
— James Madison
“I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.”
— James Madison
“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.”
— James Madison
“Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other.”
— James Madison
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”
— James Madison