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There is one view of the subject which ought to have its influence on those who espouse doctrines which strike at the authoritative origin and efficacious operation of the Government of the United States. The Government of the U.S. like all Governments free in their principles, rests on compact; a compact, not between the Government & the parties who formed & live under it; but among the parties themselves, and the strongest of Governments are those in which the compacts were most fairly formed and most faithfully executed. By James Madison Government States United View Subject

Freedom arises from the multiplicity of sects, which prevades America and which is the best and only security for religious liberty in any society. For where there is such a variety of sects, there cannot be a majority of any one sect to oppress and persecute the rest. By James Madison America Freedom Society Sects Arises

Freedom arises from a multiplicity of sects, which pervades America, and is the best and only security for religious liberty in America. By James Madison America Freedom Sects Arises Multiplicity

[T]he delegation of the government, in [a republic], to a small number of citizens elected by the rest ... [is] to refine and enlarge the public views by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations. By James Madison Citizens Government Republic Rest Delegation

The effect of a representative democracy is to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of the nation ... By James Madison Views Citizens Nation Effect Representative

Notwithstanding the security for future repose which the United States ought to find in their love of peace and their constant respect for the rights of other nations, the character of the times particularly inculcates the lesson that, whether to prevent or repel danger, we ought not to be unprepared for it. This consideration will sufficiently recommend to Congress a liberal provision for the immediate extension and gradual completion of the works of defense, both fixed and floating, on our maritime frontier, and an adequate provision for guarding our inland frontier against dangers to which certain portions of it may continue to be exposed.[7th Annual Message to Congress, Dec. 5, 1815] By James Madison United States Congress Notwithstanding Nations

With respect to the words "general welfare," I have always regarded them as qualified by the detail of powers connected with them. To take them in a literal and unlimited sense would be a metamorphosis of the Constitution into a character which there is a host of proofs was not contemplated by its creators. By James Madison Words General Welfare Respect Regarded

I hope this will find you ... enjoying the commencement of a new year with every prospect that can make it a happy one. By James Madison Hope Find Enjoying Commencement Year

If they are incorporated into the Constitution, independent tribunals of justice will consider themselves in a peculiar manner the guardians of those rights; they will be an impenetrable bulwark against every assumption of power in the legislative or executive; they will be naturally led to resist every encroachment upon rights expressly stipulated for in the Constitution by the declaration of rights. By James Madison Constitution Independent Executive Incorporated Tribunals

Because the bill vests in the said incorporated church an authority to provide for the support of the poor and the education of poor children of the same, an authority which, being altogether superfluous if the provision is to be the result of pious charity, would be a precedent for giving to religious societies as such a legal agency in carrying into effect a public and civil duty. By James Madison Authority Poor Charity Duty Bill

In the compound republic of America, the power surrendered by the people is first divided between two distinct governments, and then the portion allotted to each subdivided among distinct and separate governments. Hence a double security arises to the rights of the people. The different governments will control each other, at the same time that each will be controlled by itself. By James Madison America Distinct People Governments Compound

The diversity in the faculties of men, from which the rights of property originate, is not less an insuperable obstacle to an uniformity of interests. The protection of these faculties is the first object of government. By James Madison Men Originate Interests Faculties Diversity

The apportionment of taxes on the various descriptions of property is an act which seems to require the most exact impartiality; yet there is, perhaps, no legislative act in which greater opportunity and temptation are given to a predominant party to trample on the rules of justice. Every shilling which they overburden the inferior number is a shilling saved to their own pockets. By James Madison Act Impartiality Justice Apportionment Taxes

I acknowledge, in the ordinary course of government, that the exposition of the laws and Constitution devolves upon the judicial. But I beg to know upon what principle it can be contended that any one department draws from the Constitution greater powers than another in marking out the limits of the powers of the several departments. By James Madison Constitution Acknowledge Government Judicial Ordinary

Every new and successful example, therefore, of a perfect separation between the ecclesiastical and civil matters, is of importance; and I have no doubt that every new example will succeed, as every past one has done, in showing that religion and government will both exist in greater purity the less they are mixed together. By James Madison Matters Importance Succeed Successful Perfect

An alliance or coalition between Government and religion cannot be too carefully guarded against ... Every new and successful example therefore of a PERFECT SEPARATION between ecclesiastical and civil matters is of importance ... religion and government will exist in greater purity, without (rather) than with the aid of government. By James Madison Government Alliance Coalition Carefully Guarded

The magnitude of this evil among us is so deeply felt, and so universally acknowledged, that no merit could be greater than that of devising a satisfactory remedy for it. By James Madison Felt Acknowledged Magnitude Evil Deeply

The two great points of difference between a democracy and a republic are: first, the delegation of the government, in the latter,to a small number of citizens elected by the rest; secondly, the greater number of citizens and greater sphere of country over which the latter may be extended. By James Madison Number Citizens Greater Government Rest

The people can never willfully betray their own interests: But they may possibly be betrayed by the representatives of the people; and the danger will be evidently greater where the whole legislative trust is lodged in the hands of one body of men, than where the concurrence of separate and dissimilar bodies is required in every public act. By James Madison People Interests Men Act Willfully

The eyes of the world being thus on our Country, it is put the more on its good behavior, and under the greater obligation also, to do justice to the Tree of Liberty by an exhibition of the fine fruits we gather from it. By James Madison Country Tree Liberty Behavior Eyes

Religion flourishes in greater purity, without than with the aid of Government. By James Madison Government Religion Purity Flourishes Greater

But cool and candid people will at once reflect, that the purest of human blessings must have a portion of alloy in them, that the choice must always be made, if not of the lesser evil, at least of the GREATER, not the PERFECT good; and that in every political institution, a power to advance the public happiness, involves a discretion which may be misapplied and abused. By James Madison Greater Perfect Reflect Made Evil

The man who is possessed of wealth, who lolls on his sofa, or rolls in his carriage, cannot judge of the wants or feelings of the day laborer. The government we mean to erect is intended to last for ages ... unless wisely provided against, what will become of your government? In England, at this day, if elections were open to all classes of people, the property of the landed proprietors would be insecure. An agrarian law would soon take place. If these observations be just, our government ought to secure the permanent interests of the country against innovation. Landholders ought to have a share in the government, to support these invaluable interests, and to balance and check the other. They ought to be so constituted as to protect the minority of the opulent against the majority. The senate, therefore, ought to be this body; and to answer these purposes ... By James Madison Government Wealth Sofa Carriage Laborer

What is the structure of government that will best guard against the precipitate counsels and factious combinations for unjust purposes, without a sacrifice of the fundamental principle of republicanism? By James Madison Purposes Republicanism Structure Government Guard

It is very certain that [the commerce clause] grew out of the abuse of the power by the importing States in taxing the non-importing, and was intended as a negative and preventive provision against injustice among the States themselves, rather than as a power to be used for the positive purposes of the General Government. By James Madison States Government Power General Clause

No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity. By James Madison Judgment Improbably Corrupt Integrity Man

Resistance to tyranny is service to God. By James Madison God Resistance Tyranny Service

An efficient militia is authorized and contemplated by the Constitution and required by the spirit and safety of free government. By James Madison Constitution Government Efficient Militia Authorized

A zeal for different opinions concerning religion ... [has] divided mankind into parties, inflamed them with mutual animosity, and rendered them much more disposed to vex and oppress each other than to co-operate for their common good. By James Madison Religion Zeal Opinions Divided Parties

The most that the Convention could do in such a situation, was to avoid the errors suggested by the past experience of other countries, as well as of our own; and to provide a convenient mode of rectifying their own errors, as future experience may unfold them. By James Madison Convention Errors Experience Situation Countries

History records that the money changers have used every form of abuse, intrigue, deceit, and violent means possible to maintain their control over governments by controlling money and it's issuance. By James Madison Intrigue Deceit History Abuse Issuance

Liberty and order will never be perfectly safe until a trespass on the Constitution provisions for either, shall be felt with the same keenness that resents and invasion of the dearest rights ... By James Madison Constitution Liberty Order Perfectly Safe

If there be a principle that ought not to be questioned within the United States, it is that every man has a right to abolish an old government and establish a new one. This principle is not only recorded in every public archive, written in every American heart, and sealed with the blood of American martyrs, but is the only lawful tenure by which the United States hold their existence as a nation. By James Madison United States American Principle Questioned

The people of the U.S. owe their Independence & their liberty, to the wisdom of descrying in the minute tax of 3 pence on tea, the magnitude of the evil comprized in the precedent. Let them exert the same wisdom, in watching agst every evil lurking under plausible disguises, and growing up from small beginnings. By James Madison Independence Wisdom Evil Owe Liberty

Who does not see that ... the same authority which can force a citizen to contribute three pence only of his property for the support of any one establishment, may force him to conform to any other establishment in all cases whatsoever? By James Madison Force Establishment Whatsoever Authority Citizen

A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions. By James Madison Doubt Government Precautions Dependence People

Equal laws protecting equal rights ... the best guarantee of loyalty and love of country. By James Madison Equal Laws Protecting Country Guarantee

Among the features peculiar to the political system of the United States, is the perfect equality of rights which it secures to every religious sectEqual laws, protecting equal rights, are found, as they ought to be presumed, the best guarantee of loyalty and love of country; as well as best calculated to cherish that mutual respect and good will among citizens of every religious denomination which are necessary to social harmony, and most favorable to the advancement of truth. By James Madison Religious States United Laws Protecting

No government, any more than an individual, will long be respected without being truly respectable; nor be truly respectable, without possessing a certain portion of order and stability. By James Madison Respectable Government Individual Stability Long

These considerations and many others that might be mentioned prove, and experience confirms it, that artisans and manufacturers will commonly be disposed to bestow their votes on merchants. By James Madison Prove Merchants Considerations Mentioned Experience

On any other hypothesis, the delegation of judicial power would annul the authority delegating it; and the concurrence of this department with the others in usurped powers, might subvert forever, and beyond the possible reach of any rightful remedy, the very Constitution which all were instituted to preserve. By James Madison Constitution Hypothesis Forever Remedy Preserve

The Constitution expressly and exclusively vests in the Legislature the power of declaring a state of war [and] the power of raising armies ... A delegation of such powers [to the President] would have struck, not only at the fabric of our Constitution, but at the foundation of all well organized and well checked governments. The separation of the power of declaring war from that of conducting it, is wisely contrived to exclude the danger of its being declared for the sake of its being conducted. By James Madison Power Constitution Legislature Armies Declaring

It is *essential* to such a government, that it be derived from the great body of the society, not from an inconsiderable proportion, or a favored class of it; otherwise a handful of tyrannical nobles, exercising their oppressions by a delegation of their powers, might aspire to the rank of republicans, and claim for their government the honorable title of republic. By James Madison Government Essential Society Proportion Nobles

I do not conceive that power is given to the President and Senate to dismember the empire, or to alienate any great, essential right. I do not think the whole legislative authority have this power. The exercise of the power must be consistent with the object of the delegation. By James Madison President Senate Power Empire Great

A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. By James Madison Militia State Infringed Wellregulated Security

The passions, therefore, not the reason, of the public would sit in judgment. But it is the reason, alone, of the public, that ought to control and regulate the government. The passions ought to be controlled and regulated by the government. By James Madison Reason Public Government Judgment Passions

It is in vain to say that enlightened statesmen will be able to adjust these clashing interests, and render them all subservient to the public good. Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm. Nor, in many cases, can such an adjustment be made at all without taking into view indirect and remote considerations, which will rarely prevail over the immediate interest which one party may find in disregarding the rights of another or the good of the whole. By James Madison Statesmen Enlightened Vain Adjust Clashing

And if novelties are to be shunned, believe me, the most alarming of all novelties, the most wild of all projects, the most rash of all attempts, is that of rending us in pieces, in order to preserve our liberties, and promote our happiness. By James Madison Novelties Shunned Projects Attempts Pieces

Congress shall never disarm any citizen unless such as are or have been in actual rebellion. By James Madison Congress Rebellion Disarm Citizen Actual

Is the appointment of Chaplains to the two Houses of Congress consistent with the Constitution, and with the pure principle of religious freedom? In strictness the answer on both points must be in the negative. The Constitution of the U. S. forbids everything like an establishment of a national religion. The law appointing Chaplains establishes a religious worship for the national representatives, to be performed by Ministers of religion, elected by a majority of them, and these are to be paid out of the national taxes. Does this not involve the principle of a national establishment ... ? By James Madison Houses Congress Constitution National Chaplains

The character of such a government ought to secure, first, against foreign invasion; secondly, against dissensions between members of the Union, or seditions in particular States; thirdly, to procure to the several States various blessings of which an isolated situation was incapable; fourthly, it should be able to defend itself against encroachment; and fifthly, to be paramount to the State Constitutions. By James Madison States Union Constitutions Thirdly Fourthly

The proposed constitution, therefore, even when tested by the rules laid down by its antagonists, is, in strictness, neither a national nor a federal constitution; but a composition of both. In its foundation it is federal, not national; in the sources from which the ordinary powers of the government are drawn, it is partly federal, and partly national; in the operation of these powers, it is national, not federal; in the extent of them again, it is federal, not national; and finally, in the authoritative mode of introducing amendments, it is neither wholly federal, nor wholly national. By James Madison National Federal Constitution Antagonists Strictness

And may I not be allowed to ... read in the character of the American people, in their devotion to true liberty and to the Constitution which is its palladium [protection], ... a Government which watches over ... the equal interdict [prohibition] against encroachments and compacts between religion and the state. By James Madison Allowed American Constitution Protection Government

No man will subject himself to the ridicule of pretending that any natural connection subsists between the sun or the seasons, and the period within which human virtue can bear the temptations of power. Happily for mankind, liberty is not, in this respect, confined to any single point of time, but lies within extremes, which afford sufficient latitude for all the variations which may be required by the various situations and circumstances of civil society. By James Madison Seasons Power Man Subject Ridicule

Because we hold it for 'a fundamental and undeniable truth', that religion or 'the duty which we owe to our Creator' and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence. By James Madison Creator Truth Conviction Violence Hold

The best reason to be assigned, in this case, for not having made the Constitution more free from a charge of uncertainty in its meaning, is believed to be, that it was not suspected that any such charge would ever take place; and it appears that no such charge did take place, during the early period of the Constitution, when the meaning of its authors could be best ascertained, nor until many of the contemporary lights had in the lapse of time been extinguished. How often does it happen, that a notoriety of intention diminishes the caution against its being misunderstood or doubted! By James Madison Constitution Charge Place Meaning Assigned

What influence, in fact, have ecclesiastical establishments had on society? In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the civil authority; on many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny; in no instance have they been the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wish to subvert the public liberty may have found an established clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just government, instituted to secure and perpetuate it, needs them not. By James Madison Influence Fact Society Ecclesiastical Establishments

The people shall not be restrained from peacefully assembling and consulting for their common good, nor from applying to the legislature by petitions, or remonstrances for redress of their grievances. By James Madison Good Petitions Grievances People Restrained

The danger from legislative usurpations, which, by assembling all power in the same hands, must lead to the same tyranny as is threatened by executive usurpations. By James Madison Usurpations Hands Danger Legislative Assembling

But ambitious encroachments of the federal government, on the authority of the State governments, would not excite the opposition of a single State, or of a few States only. They would be signals of general alarm ... But what degree of madness could ever drive the federal government to such an extremity. By James Madison State States Federal Ambitious Encroachments

The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite. The former will be exercised principally on external objects, as war, peace, negotiation and foreign commerce ... The powers reserved to the several States will extend to all the objects which in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives and liberties, and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement and prosperity of the State. By James Madison Constitution State Defined Delegated Proposed

The free system of government we have established is so congenial with reason, with common sense, and with a universal feeling, that it must produce approbation and a desire of imitation, as avenues may be found for truth to the knowledge of nations. By James Madison Reason Sense Feeling Imitation Nations

It becomes all therefore who are friends of a Government based on free principles to reflect, that by denying the possibility of a system partly federal and partly consolidated, and who would convert ours into one either wholly federal or wholly consolidated, in neither of which forms have individual rights, public order, and external safety, been all duly maintained, they aim a deadly blow at the last hope of true liberty on the face of the Earth. By James Madison Consolidated Earth Government Partly Federal

The capacity of the female mind for studies of the highest order cannot be doubted, having been sufficiently illustrated by its works of genius, of erudition, and of science. By James Madison Doubted Genius Erudition Science Capacity

We may be assured by past experience, that such a practice [as some states charging high taxes on goods from other states] would be introduced by future contrivances; and both by that and a common knowledge of human affairs, that it would nourish unceasing animosities, and not improbably terminate in serious interruptions of the public tranquility. By James Madison States Experience Practice Contrivances Affairs

The sober people of America are weary of the fluctuating policy which has directed the public councils. They have seen with regret and indignation that sudden changes and legislative interferences, in cases affecting personal rights, become jobs in the hands of enterprising and influential speculators, and snares to the more-industrious and less informed part of the community. They have seen, too, that one legislative interference is but the first link of a long chain of repetitions, every subsequent interference being naturally produced by the effects of the preceding. By James Madison America Councils Sober People Weary

[Christianity] existed and flourishes, not only without the support of human laws, but in spite of every opposition from them. By James Madison Christianity Existed Flourishes Laws Support

Congress should not establish a religion, and enforce the legal observation of it by law, nor compel men to worship God in any Manner contrary to their conscience. By James Madison God Manner Congress Religion Law

Besides the danger of a direct mixture of religion and civil government, there is an evil which ought to be guarded against in the indefinite accumulation of property from the capacity of holding it in perpetuity by ecclesiastical corporations. The establishment of the chaplainship in Congress is a palpable violation of equal rights as well as of Constitutional principles. The danger of silent accumulations and encroachments by ecclesiastical bodies has not sufficiently engaged attention in the U.S. By James Madison Danger Government Corporations Ecclesiastical Direct

No error is more certain than the one proceeding from a hasty and superficial view of the subject. By James Madison Subject Error Proceeding Hasty Superficial

It may not be easy, in every possible case, to trace the line of separation between the rights of religion and the Civil authority with such distinctness as to avoid collisions and doubts on unessential points. The tendency to usurpation on one side or the other, or to a corrupting coalition or alliance between them, will be best guarded agst. by an entire abstinence of the Govt. from interference in any way whatsoever, beyond the necessity of preserving public order, and protecting each sect agst. trespasses on its legal rights by others.[Letter to the Reverend Jasper Adams, January 1, 1832] By James Madison Civil Easy Case Points Trace

Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms. By James Madison Americans Armed Unlike Arms Advantage

The governments of Europe are afraid to trust the people with arms. If they did, the people would certainly shake off the yoke of tyranny, as America did. By James Madison Europe Arms People Governments Afraid

So strong is this propensity of mankind to fall into mutual animosities, that where no substantial occasion presents itself, the most frivolous and fanciful distinctions have been sufficient to kindle their unfriendly passions and excite their most violent conflicts. But the most common and durable source of factions has been the various and unequal distribution of property. By James Madison Animosities Conflicts Strong Propensity Mankind

Because the bill in reserving a certain parcel of land in the United States for the use of said Baptist Church comprises a principle and a precedent for the appropriation of funds of the United States for the use and support of religious societies, contrary to the article of the Constitution which declares that "Congress shall make no law respecting a religious establishment." By James Madison United States Congress Religious Baptist

You give me a credit to which I have no claim in calling me "the writer of the Constitution of the United States." This was not, like the fabled Goddess of Wisdom, the offspring of a single brain. It ought to be regarded as the work of many heads and many hands. By James Madison States Constitution United Give Credit

No power over the freedom of religion [is] delegated to the United States by the Constitution. By James Madison Constitution United States Religion Delegated

To the Baptist Churches on Neal's Greek on Black Creek, North Carolina I have received, fellow-citizens, your address, approving my objection to the Bill containing a grant of public land to the Baptist Church at Salem Meeting House, Mississippi Territory. Having always regarded the practical distinction between Religion and Civil Government as essential to the purity of both, and as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, I could not have otherwise discharged my duty on the occasion which presented itself By James Madison Baptist Creek North House Mississippi

As compacts, charters of government are superior in obligation to all others, because they give effect to all others. As truths, none can be more sacred, because they are bound, on the conscience by the religious sanctions of an oath. As metes and bounds of government, they transcend all other land-marks, because every public usurpation is an encroachment on the private right, not of one, but of all. By James Madison Compacts Charters Government Superior Obligation

Strongly guarded as is the separation between Religion and Government in the Constitution of the United States, the danger of encroachment by Ecclesiastical Bodies may be illustrated by precedents already furnished in their short history. By James Madison States Religion Government Constitution United

[T]he great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachment of the others. By James Madison Department Great Security Gradual Concentration

Nor is any evidence to be found, either in History or Human Nature, that nations are to be bribed out of a spirit of encroachment and aggression, by humiliations which nourish their pride, or by concessions that extend their resources and power. By James Madison Nature History Human Found Aggression

The preservation of a free government requires not merely that the metes and bounds which separate each department of power be invariably maintained; but more especially that neither of them be suffered to overleap the great Barrier which defends the rights of the people. The Rulers who are guilty of such an encroachment, exceed the commission from which they derive their authority and are Tyrants. The people who submit to it are governed by laws made neither by themselves nor by an authority derived from them, and are slaves. By James Madison Barrier Maintained People Preservation Free

It may be considered as an objection inherent in the principle, that as every appeal to the people would carry an implication of some defect in the government, frequent appeals would in great measure deprive the government of that veneration which time bestows on every thing, and without which perhaps the wisest and freest governments would not possess the requisite stability ... a constitutional road to the decision of the people ought to be marked out and kept open, for certain great and extraordinary occasions By James Madison Government People Great Principle Frequent

In civilized communities, property as well as personal rights are the essential object of the laws, which encourage industry by securing the enjoyment of its fruits: that industry from which property results, and that enjoyment which consists not merely in its immediate use, but in its posthumous destination to objects of choice and of kindred affection. In a just and free government, therefore, the rights both of property and of persons ought to be effectually guarded. By James Madison Industry Enjoyment Property Communities Laws

It was by the sober sense of our citizens that we were safely and steadily conducted from monarchy to republicanism, and it is by the same agency alone we can be kept from falling back. By James Madison Republicanism Back Sober Sense Citizens

[A] mere demarcation on parchment of the constitutional limits of the several departments is not a sufficient guard against those encroachments which lead to a tyrannical concentration of all the powers of government in the same hands. By James Madison Mere Hands Demarcation Parchment Constitutional

The necessity of a senate is not less indicated by the propensity of all single and numerous assemblies, to yield to the impulse of sudden and violent passions, and to be seduced by factious leaders, into intemperate and pernicious resolutions. By James Madison Assemblies Passions Leaders Resolutions Necessity

It may not be improper, however, to remark two consequences, evidently flowing from an extension of the federal power to every subject falling within the idea of the "general welfare." One consequence must be, to enlarge the sphere of discretion allotted to the executive magistrate ... The other consequence would be, that of an excessive augmentation of the offices, honors, and emoluments, depending on the executive will. By James Madison Improper Evidently General Welfare Consequence

Every answer he [President John Adams] gives to his addressers unmasks more and more his principles and views. His language to the young men at Philadelphia is the most abominable and degrading that could fall from the lips of the first magistrate of an independent people, and particularly from a Revolutionary patriot. By James Madison President Adams John Views Answer

[It] is indispensable that some provision should be made for defending the Community agst [against] the incapicity, negligence or perfidy of the chief Magistrate. By James Madison Magistrate Community Agst Incapicity Negligence

The real wonder is that so many difficulties should have been surmounted [in the federal convention], and surmounted with a unanimity almost as unprecedented as it must have been unexpected. It is impossible for any man of candor to reflect on this circumstance without partaking of the astonishment. It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to perceive in it a finger of that Almighty hand which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical stages of the revolution. By James Madison Surmounted Convention Unexpected Impossible Real

Bills of attainder, ex-post facto laws and laws impairing the obligation of contracts are contrary to the first principles of the social compact, and to every principle of sound legislation. By James Madison Laws Bills Attainder Expost Compact

The security intended to the general liberty consists in the frequent election and in the rotation of the members of Congress. By James Madison Congress Security Intended General Liberty

The better proof of reverence for that holy name would be not to profane it by making it a topic of legislative discussion ... By James Madison Discussion Proof Reverence Holy Profane

That is not a just government, nor is property secure under it, where the property which a man has in his personal safety and personal liberty, is violated by arbitrary seizures of one class of citizens for the service of the rest. By James Madison Property Personal Government Liberty Rest

How could a readiness for war in time of peace be safely prohibited, unless we could prohibit, in like manner, the preparations and establishments of every hostile nation? By James Madison Prohibited Prohibit Manner Nation Readiness

[A]ll power is originally vested in, and consequently derived from, the people. That government is instituted and ought to be exercised for the benefit of the people; which consists in the enjoyment of life and liberty and the right of acquiring property, and generally of pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety. That the people have an indubitable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to reform or change their government whenever it be found adverse or inadequate to the purpose of its institution. By James Madison People Power Originally Vested Derived

The house of representatives ... can make no law, which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as the great mass of society. This has always been deemed one of the strongest bonds by which human policy can connect the rulers and the people together. It creates between them that communion of interest, and sympathy of sentiments, of which few governments have furnished examples; but without which every government degenerates into tyranny. By James Madison Representatives House Law Friends Society

Of all the objections which have been framed against the federal Constitution, this is perhaps the most extraordinary. Whilst the objection itself is levelled against a pretended oligarchy, the principle of it strikes at the very root of republican government. By James Madison Constitution Extraordinary Framed Federal Objections

To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries; By James Madison Arts Discoveries Promote Progress Science

Attempts to enforce by legal sanctions, acts obnoxious to so great a proportion of Citizens, tend to enervate the laws in general, and to slacken the bands of Society. If it be difficult to execute any law which is not generally deemed necessary or salutary, what must be the case, where it is deemed invalid and dangerous? And what may be the effect of so striking an example of impotency in the Government, on its general authority? By James Madison Citizens Society Attempts Sanctions Acts

I have received your letter of the 6th, with the eloquent discourse delivered at the consecration of the Jewish Synagogue. Having ever regarded the freedom of religious opinions and worship as equally belonging to every sect, and the secure enjoyment of it as the best human provision for bringing all either into the same way of thinking, or into that mutual charity which is the only substitute, I observe with pleasure the view you give of the spirit in which your sect partake of the blessings offered by our Government and laws. By James Madison Synagogue Jewish Received Letter Eloquent

The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe in blood for centuries.[Letter objecting to the use of government land for churches, 1803] By James Madison Letter Europe Centuries Churches Purpose

The best service that can be rendered to a Country, next to that of giving it liberty, is in diffusing the mental improvement equally essential to the preservation, and the enjoyment of the blessing. By James Madison Country Liberty Preservation Blessing Service

A government that does not trust it's law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is itself unworthy of trust. By James Madison Trust Government Lawabiding Citizens Bear

The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the state shall not be questioned. By James Madison Questioned Citizens Bear Arms Defense

Waiving the rights of conscience, not included in the surrender implied by the social state, & more or less invaded by all Religious establishments, the simple question to be decided, is whether a support of the best & purest religion, the Christian religion itself ought not, so far at least as pecuniary means are involved, to be provided for by the Government, rather than be left to the voluntary provisions of those who profess it. By James Madison Religion Government Religious Christian Waiving

In contemplating the pecuniary resources needed for the removal of such a number to so great a distance [freed slaves to Africa], my thoughts and hopes have long been turned to the rich fund presented in the western lands of the nation ... By James Madison Africa Distance Freed Nation Contemplating

It may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more constant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves. By James Madison Public Pronounced People Voice Happen

Happily for America, happily, we trust, for the whole human race, they pursued a new and more noble course. They accomplished a revolution which has no parallel in the annals of human society. By James Madison America Happily Trust Race Human

[T]he most common and durable source of factions has been the various and unequal distribution of property. Those who hold and those who are without property have ever formed distinct interests in society. Those who are creditors, and those who are debtors, fall under a like discrimination. A landed interest, a manufacturing interest, a mercantile interest, a moneyed interest, with many lesser interests, grow up of necessity in civilized nations, and divide them into different classes, actuated by different sentiments and views. By James Madison Interest Property Common Durable Source

Although all men are born free, slavery has been the general lot of the human race. Ignorantthey have been cheated; asleepthey have been surprised; dividedthe yoke has been forced upon them. But what is the lesson ... ? The people ought to be enlightened, to be awakened, to be united, that after establishing a government they should watch over it ... It is universally admitted that a well-instructed people alone can be permanently free. By James Madison Slavery Race Men Born General

To what expedient then shall we finally resort, for maintaining in practice the necessary partition of power among the several departments, as laid down in the constitution? The only answer that can be given is, that as all these exterior provisions are found to be inadequate, the defect must be supplied, by so contriving the interior structure of the government, as that its several constituent parts may, by their mutual relations, be the means of keeping each other in their proper places. By James Madison Resort Departments Constitution Expedient Finally

The experience of the United States is a happy disproof of the error so long rooted in the unenlightened minds of well meaning Christians, as well as in the corrupt hearts of persecuting Usurpers, that without a legal incorporation of religious and civil polity, neither could be supported. A mutual independence is found most friendly to practical Religion, to social harmony, and to political prosperity. By James Madison Christians Usurpers United States Polity

The executive has no right, in any case, to decide the question, whether there is or is not cause for declaring war. By James Madison Case Question War Executive Decide

The means of defence against foreign danger have been always the instruments of tyranny at home. Among the Romans it was a standing maxim to excite a war, whenever a revolt was apprehended. Throughout all Europe, the armies kept up under the pretext of defending, have enslaved the people. By James Madison Home Defence Foreign Danger Instruments

Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. By James Madison Ambition Made Counteract

The primary function of government is to protect the minority of the opulent from the majority of the poor. By James Madison Poor Primary Function Government Protect

The class of citizens who provide at once their own food and their own raiment, may be viewed as the most truly independent and happy. By James Madison Raiment Happy Class Citizens Provide

Several of the first presidents, including Jefferson and Madison, generally refused to issue public prayers, despite importunings to do so. Under pressure, Madison relented in the War Of 1812, but held to his belief that chaplains shouldn't be appointed to the military or be allowed to open Congress. By James Madison Jefferson Madison Presidents Including Generally

[The human mind] finds more facility in assenting to the self-existence of an invisible cause possessing infinite power, wisdom, and goodness, than in the self-existence of the universe, visibly destitute of these attributes, and which may be the effect of them. By James Madison Selfexistence Wisdom Mind Finds Power

The genius of Republican liberty, seems to demand on one side, not only that all power should be derived from the people; but, that those entrusted with it should be kept in dependence on the people, by a short duration of their appointments; and, that, even during this short period, the trust should be placed not in a few, but in a number of hands. By James Madison People Republican Short Liberty Side

The smaller the number and the more permanent and conspicuous the station of men in power, the stronger must be the interest which they will individually feel in whatever concerns the government. By James Madison Power Government Smaller Number Permanent

The defect of power in the existing confederacy, to regulate the commerce between its several members is in the number of those which have been clearly pointed out by experience ... A very material object of this power was the relief of the States which import and export through other States from the improper contributions levied on them by the latter. By James Madison States Power Confederacy Experience Defect

There is an evil which ought to be guarded against in the indefinite accumulation of property from the capacity of holding it in perpetuity by ... corporations. The power of all corporations ought to be limited in this respect. The growing wealth acquired by them never fails to be a source of abuses. By James Madison Corporations Evil Guarded Indefinite Accumulation

Do not separate text from historical background. If you do, you will have perverted and subverted the Constitution, which can only end in a distorted, bastardized form of illegitimate government. By James Madison Background Constitution Separate Text Historical

[Religious liberty was] in its nature an inalienable right ... because the opinions of men, depending only upon the evidence contemplated by their minds, cannot follow the dictates of other men. By James Madison Religious Men Liberty Nature Inalienable

The civil rights of none, shall be abridged on account of religious belief or worship, nor shall any national religion be established, nor shall the full and equal rights of conscience be in any manner, or on any pretext infringed. By James Madison Worship Established Manner Infringed Civil

The definition of the right of suffrage is very justly regarded as a fundamental article of republican government. By James Madison Government Definition Suffrage Justly Regarded

I entirely concur in the propriety of restoring to the sense in which the Constitution was accepted and ratified by the nation. In that sense alone it is a legitimate constitution. And, if that be not the guide in expounding it, there can be no security for consistent and stable government. By James Madison Constitution Nation Sense Concur Propriety

We look back, already, with astonishment, at the daring outrages committed by despotism, on the reason and rights of man; we look forward with joy, to the period, when it shall be despoiled of all its usurpations, and bound forever in the chains, with which it had loaded its miserable victims. By James Madison Back Astonishment Despotism Man Joy

[T]he powers granted by the proposed Constitution are the gift of the people, and may be resumed by them when perverted to their oppression, and every power not granted thereby remains with the people. By James Madison People Constitution Granted Oppression Proposed

Toleration is not the opposite of intolerance, but is the counterfeit of it. Both are despotisms. The one assumes to itself the right of withholding liberty of conscience, the other of granting it. By James Madison Toleration Intolerance Opposite Counterfeit Despotisms

To refer the power in question to the clause "to provide for the common defense and general welfare" would be contrary to the established and consistent rules of interpretation, as rendering the special and careful enumeration of powers which follow the clause nugatory and improper. Such a view of the Constitution would have the effect of giving to Congress a general power of legislation instead of the defined and limited one hitherto understood to belong to them, the terms "common defense and general welfare" embracing every object and act within the purview of a legislative trust. By James Madison Clause General Welfare Defense Common

The fetters imposed on liberty at home have ever been forged out of the weapons provided for defense against real, pretended, or imaginary dangers from abroad. By James Madison Pretended Real Abroad Fetters Imposed

The Convention thought it wrong to admit in the Constitution the idea that there could be property in men. By James Madison Convention Constitution Men Thought Wrong

It is superfluous to try by the standards of theory, a part of the constitution which is allowed on all hands to be the result not of theory, but "of a spirit of amity, and that mutual deference and concession which the peculiarity of our political situation rendered indispensable" ... the equal vote allowed to each state, is at once a constitutional recognition of the portion of sovereignty remaining in the individual states, and an instrument for preserving that residuary sovereignty. By James Madison Theory Allowed Amity Indispensable Superfluous

The characters and events depicted in the damn bible are fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. By James Madison Fictitious Characters Events Depicted Damn

In suits at common law, trial by jury in civil cases is as essential to secure the liberty of the people as any one of the pre-existent rights of nature. By James Madison Law Trial Nature Suits Common

The powers of the federal government are enumerated; it can only operate in certain cases; it has legislative powers on defined and limited objects, beyond which it cannot extend its jurisdiction. By James Madison Powers Enumerated Cases Objects Jurisdiction

Let me recommend the best medicine in the world a long journey at a mild season through a pleasant country in easy stages. By James Madison Stages Recommend Medicine World Long

No free country has ever been without Parties, which are a natural offspring of freedom. By James Madison Parties Freedom Free Country Natural

Another advantage accruing from this ingredient in the constitution of a senate, is the additional impediment it must prove against improper acts of legislation. No law or resolution can now be passed without the concurrence first of a majority of the people, and then of a majority of the states. By James Madison Senate Legislation Majority Advantage Accruing

The American people owe it to themselves, and to the cause of free Government, to prove by their establishments for the advancement and diffusion of knowledge, that their political Institutionsare as favorable to the intellectual and moral improvement of Man as they are conformable to his individual and social rights. By James Madison Government American Institutionsare Man Knowledge

Some degree of abuse is inseparable from the proper use of every thing; and in no instance is this more true than in that of the press. It has accordingly been decided, by the practice of the states, that it is better to leave a few of its noxious branches to their luxuriant growth, than, by pruning them away, to injure the vigor of those yielding the proper fruits. By James Madison Proper Thing Press Degree Abuse

It is in vain to oppose constitutional barriers to the impulse of self-preservation. It is worse than in vain; because it plants in the Constitution itself necessary usurpations of power, every precedent of which is a germ of unnecessary and multiplied repetitions. By James Madison Selfpreservation Vain Oppose Constitutional Barriers

As the people of the United States enjoy the great merit of having established a system of Government on the basis of human rights, and of giving it a form without example, which, as they believe, unites the greatest national strength with the best security for public order and individual liberty, they owe to themselves, to their posterity and to the world, a preservation of the system in its purity, its symmetry, and its authenticity. By James Madison System United States Government Unites

A sincere and steadfast co-operation in promoting such a reconstruction of our political system as would provide for the permanent liberty and happiness of the United States. By James Madison States United Sincere Steadfast Cooperation

In proportion to the value of this revolution; in proportion to the importance of instruments, every word of which decides a question between power and liberty; in proportion to the solemnity of acts, proclaiming the will authenticated by the seal of the people, the only earthly source of authority, ought to be the vigilance with which they are guarded by every citizen in private life, and the circumspection with which they are executed by every citizen in public trust. By James Madison Proportion Citizen Revolution Instruments Liberty

American citizens are instrumental in carrying on a traffic in enslaved Africans, equally in violation of the laws of humanity and in defiance of those of their own country. The same just and benevolent motives which produced interdiction in force against this criminal conduct will doubtless be felt by Congress in devising further means of suppressing the evil. By James Madison Africans American Equally Country Citizens

With regard to Banks, they have taken too deep and too wide a root in social transactions, to be got rid of altogether, if that were desirable. They have a hold on public opinion, which alone would make it expedient to aim rather at the improvement, than the suppression of them. As now generally constituted, their advantages whatever they be, are outweighed by the excesses of their paper emissions, and the partialities and corruption with which they are administered. By James Madison Banks Transactions Altogether Desirable Regard

WHEN THE BALL IS COMING AT 100 MPH FROM PITCHER THERES NOTHING SOFT ABOUT THAT By James Madison Mph Ball Coming Pitcher Soft

I love the summer ... the warm weather, hangin out with friends, and swimmin in the warm water ... but most importantly grabin a glove and a ball and playin some softball in the heat. By James Madison Summer Love Warm Weather Hangin

A people armed and free, forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition and is a bulwark for the nation against foreign invasion and domestic oppression. By James Madison Free Forms Oppression People Armed

What is to be the consequence, in case the Congress shall misconstrue this part [the necessary and proper clause] of the Constitution and exercise powers not warranted by its true meaning, I answer the same as if they should misconstrue or enlarge any other power vested in them ... the success of the usurpation will depend on the executive and judiciary departments, which are to expound and give effect to the legislative acts; and in a last resort a remedy must be obtained from the people, who can by the elections of more faithful representatives, annul the acts of the usurpers. By James Madison Misconstrue Congress Constitution Powers Power

Who are to be the electors of the federal representatives? Not the rich, more than the poor; not the learned, more than the ignorant; not the haughty heirs of distinguished names, more than the humble sons of obscurity and unpropitious fortune. The electors are to be the great body of the people of the United States. They are to be the same who exercise the right in every State of electing the corresponding branch of the legislature of the State. By James Madison State Electors Representatives Federal States

Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm. By James Madison Enlightened Helm Statesmen

A good Government implies two things: first, fidelity to the object of Government, which is the happiness of the People; secondly, a knowledge of the means by which that object can be best attained. By James Madison Government People Object Things Fidelity

Place three individuals in a situation wherein the interest of each depends on the voice of the others, and give to two of them an interest opposed to the rights of the third. Will the latter be secure? The prudence of every man would shun the danger. The rules & forms of justice suppose & guard against it. Will two thousand in a like situation be less likely to encroach on the rights of one thousand? By James Madison Interest Place Individuals Depends Voice

No axiom is more clearly established in law or in reason than wherever the end is required, the means are authorized; wherever a general power to do a thing is given, every particular power for doing it is included. By James Madison Power Required Authorized Included Axiom

Experience has instructed us that no skill in the science of government has yet been able to discriminate and define, with sufficient certainty, its three great provinces the legislative, executive, and judiciary; or even the privileges and powers of the different legislative branches. By James Madison Executive Legislative Experience Define Certainty

Man, who preys both on the vegetable and animal species, is himself a prey to neither. He too possesses the reproductive principle far beyond the degree requisite for the bare continuance of his species. What becomes of the surplus of human life to which this principle is competent? By James Madison Man Species Preys Prey Vegetable

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. By James Madison Government Nature Greatest Reflections Human

The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of Government. But what is Government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? By James Madison Government Nature Place Human Interest

Democracies have been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their death. By James Madison Democracies Property Death Found Incompatible

I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. By James Madison Usurpations Instances Abridgment Freedom People

One nation is to another what one individual is to another; with this melancholy distinction perhaps, that the former with fewer of the benevolent emotions than the latter, are under fewer restraints also from taking undue advantage of the indiscretions of each other. By James Madison Fewer Nation Individual Melancholy Distinction

We've staked our future on our ability to follow the Ten Commandments with all our heart. By James Madison Ten Commandments Heart Staked Future

Wherever the real power in a Government lies, there is the danger of oppression. In our Governments, the real power lies in the majority of the Community, and the invasion of private rights is chiefly to be apprehended, not from the acts of Government contrary to the sense of its constituents, but from acts in which the Government is the mere instrument of the major number of the constituents. By James Madison Government Real Power Lies Oppression

[I]n the next place, to show that unless these departments be so far connected and blended as to give to each a constitutional control over the others, the degree of separation which the maxim requires, as essential to a free government, can never in practice be duly maintained. By James Madison Place Requires Government Maintained Show

As long as the reason of man continues fallible, and he is at liberty to exercise it, different opinions will be formed. By James Madison Fallible Formed Long Reason Man

Procrastination in the beginning and precipitation towards the conclusion is the characteristic of such bodies. By James Madison Procrastination Bodies Beginning Precipitation Conclusion

Are not the daily devotions conducted by these legal ecclesiastics already degenerating into a scanty attendance, and a tiresome formality? By James Madison Attendance Formality Daily Devotions Conducted

We are free today substantially, but the day will come when our Republic will be an impossibility. It will be an impossibility because wealth will be concentrated in the hands of a few. A Republic cannot stand upon bayonets, and when the day comes when the wealth of the nation will be in the hands of a few, then we must rely upon the wisdom of the best elements in the country to readjust the laws of the nations to the changed conditions. By James Madison Republic Impossibility Substantially Day Hands

But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new guards for their future security - By James Madison Despotism Government Object Usurpations Pursuing

Learned Institutions ought to be favorite objects with every free people. They throw that light over the public mind which is the best security against crafty and dangerous encroachments on the public liberty. By James Madison Institutions Learned People Favorite Objects

Measures should be enacted which, without violating the rights of property, would reduce extreme wealth towards a state of mediocrity, and raise extreme indigence towards a state of comfort. By James Madison State Extreme Measures Property Mediocrity

A watchful eye must be kept on ourselves lest while we are building ideal monuments of Renown and Bliss here we neglect to have our names enrolled in the Annals of Heaven. By James Madison Heaven Renown Bliss Annals Watchful

It is of great importance in a republic, not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers; but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part. By James Madison Society Guard Part Republic Rulers

We are teaching the world the great truth that Governments do better without Kings & Nobles than with them. By James Madison Kings Nobles Governments Teaching World

The Constitution of the U.S. forbids everything like an establishment of a national religion. By James Madison Constitution Forbids Religion Establishment National

The legislative department is everywhere extending the sphere of its activity and drawing all power into its impetuous vortex. By James Madison Vortex Legislative Department Extending Sphere

Those who proposed the Constitution knew, and those who ratified the Constitution also knew that this is ... a limited government tied down to specified powers ... It was never supposed or suspected that the old Congress could give away the money of the states to encourage agriculture or for any other purpose they pleased. By James Madison Constitution Knew Proposed Ratified Congress

The American people are too well schooled in the duty and practice of submitting to the will of the majority to permit any serious uneasiness on that account By James Madison American Account People Schooled Duty

We have staked the whole future of our new nation, not upon the power of government; far from it. We have staked the future of all our political constitutions upon the capacity of each of ourselves to govern ourselves according to the moral principles of the Ten Commandments. By James Madison Staked Future Nation Government Power

I have appealed to our own experience for the truth of what I advance on this subject [that the legislative power is the predominant power]. Were it necessary to verify this experience by particular proofs, they might be multiplied without end. I might find a witness in every citizen who has shared in, or been attentive to, the course of public administrations. By James Madison Power Subject Experience Appealed Truth

The members of the legislative department ... are numerous. They are distributed and dwell among the people at large. Their connections of blood, of friendship, and of acquaintance embrace a great proportion of the most influential part of the society ... they are more immediately the confidential guardians of their rights and liberties. By James Madison Department Numerous Members Legislative Large

Charity is no part of the legislative duty of the government. By James Madison Charity Government Part Legislative Duty

It will be remembered, that a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is solemnly enjoined by most of the state constitutions, and particularly by our own, as a necessary safeguard against the danger of degeneracy, to which republics are liable, as well as other governments, though in a less degree than others. By James Madison Remembered Constitutions Degeneracy Liable Governments

Were it possible so to accelerate the intercourse between every part of the globe that all its inhabitants could be united under the superintending authority of an ecumenical Council, how great a portion of human evils would be avoided. By James Madison Council Avoided Accelerate Intercourse Part

[T]he bill exceeds the rightful authority to which governments are limited by the essential distinction between civil and religious functions, and violates in particular the article of the Constitution of the United States which declares that Congress shall make no law respecting a religious establishment ... This particular church, therefore, would so far be a religious establishment by law, a legal force and sanction being given to certain articles in its constitution and administration. By James Madison United States Congress Religious Constitution

The rich man, when contributing to a permanent plan for the education of the poor, ought to reflect that he is providing for that of his own descendants; and the poor man who concurs in a provision for those who are not poor that at no distant day it may be enjoyed by descendants from himself. It does not require a long life to witness these vicissitudes of fortune. By James Madison Poor Man Descendants Rich Contributing

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. By James Madison Maxim Opinion Misapplied Elucidation Wrong

The belief in a God All Powerful wise and good, is so essential to the moral order of the world and to the happiness of man, that arguments which enforce it cannot be drawn from too many sources nor adapted with too much solicitude to the different characters and capacities impressed with it. By James Madison God Powerful Good Man Belief

Inference is founded upon obvious reasons. Regard to reputation has a less active influence, when the infamy of a bad action is to be divided upon a number, than when it is to fall singly upon one. A spirit of faction ... will often hurry the persons of whom they were composed into improprieties and excesses for which they would blush in a private capacity. By James Madison Inference Reasons Founded Obvious Regard

The internal effects of a mutable policy are still more calamitous. It poisons the blessing of liberty itself. It will be of little avail to the people, that the laws are made by men of their own choice, if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood; if they be repealed or revised before they are promulgated, or undergo such incessant changes that no man, who knows what the law is to-day, can guess what it will be to-morrow. Law is defined to be a rule of action; but how can that be a rule, which is little known, and less fixed? By James Madison Calamitous Internal Effects Mutable Policy

It is a melancholy reflection that liberty should be equally exposed to danger whether the government have too much power or too little power and that the line which divides these extremes should be so inaccurately defined by experience. By James Madison Experience Power Melancholy Reflection Liberty

Every new & successful example therefore of a perfect separation between ecclesiastical and civil matters, is of importance. And I have no doubt that every new example, will succeed, as every past one has done, in shewing that religion & Govt. will both exist in greater purity, the less they are mixed together.[Letter to Edward Livingston, 10 July 1822 - Writings 9:100103] By James Madison Successful Matters Importance Govt Perfect

I have ever regarded the freedom of religious opinions and worship as equally belonging to every sect. By James Madison Sect Regarded Freedom Religious Opinions

The infant periods of most nations are buried in silence or veiled in fable; and the world perhaps has lost but little which it needs regret. The origin and outset of the American Republic contain lessons of which posterity ought not to be deprived: and happily there never was a case in which every interesting incident could be so accurately preserved. By James Madison Fable Regret Infant Periods Nations

We should never think of separation except for repeated and enormous violations By James Madison Violations Separation Repeated Enormous

The States then being the parties to the constitutional compact, and in their sovereign capacity, it follows of necessity, that there can be no tribunal above their authority, to decide in the last resort, whether the compact made by them be violated; and consequently that as the parties to it, they must themselves decide in the last resort, such questions as may be of sufficient magnitude to require their interposition. By James Madison Resort Parties Decide Compact States

If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money, and will promote the General Welfare, the Government is no longer a limited one, possessing enumerated powers, but an indefinite one ... By James Madison Welfare Congress General Government Money

The war has proved moreover that our free Government, like other free governments, though slow in its early movements, acquires in its progress a force proportioned to its freedom, and that the union of these States, the guardian of the freedom and safety of all and of each, is strengthened by every occasion that puts it to the test. By James Madison Government States Free Freedom Movements

Because finally, 'the equal right of every citizen to the free exercise of his religion according to the dictates of conscience' is held by the same tenure with all his other rights. If we recur to its origin, it is equally the gift of nature; if we weigh its importance, it cannot be less dear to us; if we consider the 'Declaration of those rights which pertain to the good people of Virginia, as the basis and foundation of government,' it is enumerated with equal solemnity, or rather studied emphasis. By James Madison Equal Finally Conscience Citizen Free

It is not certain that with this aid alone [possession of arms], they would not be able to shake off their yokes. But were the people to posses the additional advantages of local governments chosen by themselves, who could collect the national will, and direct the national force; and of officers appointed out of the militia, by these governments and attached both to them and to the militia, it may be affirmed with the greatest assurance, that the throne of every tyranny in Europe would be speedily overturned, in spite of the legions which surround it. By James Madison Militia Possession Arms Yokes Aid

Nothing is so contagious as opinion, especially on questions which, being susceptible of very different glosses, beget in the mind a distrust of itself. By James Madison Opinion Glosses Beget Contagious Questions

America united with a handful of troops, or without a single soldier, exhibits a more forbidding posture to foreign ambition than America disunited, with a hundred thousand veterans ready for combat. By James Madison America Troops Soldier Exhibits Disunited

Despotism can only exist in darkness, and there are too many lights now in the political firmament, to permit it to remain anywhere, as it has heretofore done, almost everywhere. By James Madison Despotism Darkness Firmament Exist Lights

The religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate. By James Madison Man Dictate Religion Left Conviction

Money cannot be applied to the *general welfare*, otherwise than by an application of it to some *particular* measure conducive to the general welfare. Whenever, therefore, money has been raised by the general authority, and is to be applied to a particular measure, a question arises whether the particular measure be within the enumerated authorities vested in Congress. If it be, the money requisite for it may be applied to it; if it be not, no such application can be made. By James Madison Welfare Applied General Measure Money

I think it absolutely necessary that the President should have the power of removing his subordinates from office; it will make him, in a peculiar manner, responsible for their conduct, and subject him to impeachment himself, if he suffers them to perpetrate with impunity high crimes or misdemeanors against the United States, or neglects to superintend their conduct, so as to check their excesses. By James Madison Conduct States President United Office

For the same reason that the members of the State legislatures will be unlikely to attach themselves sufficiently to national objects, the members of the federal legislature will be likely to attach themselves too much to local objects. By James Madison Members Attach Objects State Legislatures

I am unable to conceive that the state legislatures which must feel so many motives to watch, and which possess so many means of counteracting the federal legislature, would fail either to detect or to defeat a conspiracy of the latter against the liberties of their common constituencies. By James Madison Watch Constituencies Unable Conceive State

The Federal Constitution forms a happy combination in this respect; the great and aggregate interests being referred to the national, the local and particular, to the state legislatures. By James Madison Federal Constitution Respect National Legislatures

There ought always to be a constitutional method of giving efficacy to constitutional provisions. What for instance would avail restrictions on the authority of the state legislatures, without some constitutional mode of enforcing the observance of them? ... This power must either be a direct negative on the state laws, or an authority in the federal courts, to over-rule such as might be in manifest contravention of the articles of union. By James Madison Constitutional Provisions Method Giving Efficacy

A local spirit will infallibly prevail much more in the members of Congress than a national spirit will prevail in the legislatures of the particular States. By James Madison States Spirit Congress Prevail Local

The State Legislatures will jealously and closely watch the operations of this Government, and be able to resist with more effect every assumption of power, than any other power on earth can do; and the greatest opponents to a Federal Government admit the State Legislatures to be sure guardians of the people's liberty. By James Madison State Legislatures Government Federal Power

The appointment of senators by the state legislatures ... is recommended by the double advantage of favoring a select appointment, and of giving to the state governments such an agency in the formation of the federal government, as must secure the authority of the former. By James Madison State Appointment Legislatures Senators Recommended

I consider the difference between a system founded on the legislatures only, and one founded on the people, to be the true difference between a league or treaty and a constitution. By James Madison Difference Founded People Constitution System

The people shall not be deprived or abridged of their right to speak, or to publish their sentiments; and the freedom of the press, as one of the great bulwarks of liberty, shall be inviolable. By James Madison Speak Sentiments Press Liberty Inviolable

The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty. By James Madison Liberty Advancement Diffusion Knowledge Guardian

The nation which reposes on the pillow of political confidence, will sooner or later end its political existence in a deadly lethargy. By James Madison Confidence Lethargy Political Nation Reposes

In no part of the Constitution is more wisdom to be found than in the clause which confides the question of war or peace to the legislature, and not the executive department ... The trust and the temptation would be too great for any one man. By James Madison Constitution Legislature Department Part Wisdom

In framing a system which we wish to last for ages, we shd. not lose sight of the changes which ages will produce. [James Madison in the U.S. Constitutional Convention, June 26, 1787. The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787, ed. Max Farrand (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1966), 1:422.] By James Madison Shd Ages Convention Framing System

[The Republican Party] consists of those who, believing in the doctrine that mankind are capable of governing themselves and hating hereditary power as an insult to the reason and an outrage to the rights of men, are naturally offended at every public measure that does not appeal to the understanding and to the general interest of the community. By James Madison Party Republican Consists Believing Men

I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents. By James Madison Constitution Congress Expending Benevolence Constituents

If tyranny and oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. By James Madison Land Enemy Tyranny Oppression Guise

In Europe, charters of liberty have been granted by power. America has set the example and France has followed it, of charters of power granted by liberty. This revolution in the practice of the world may, with an honest praise, be pronounced the most triumphant epoch of its history and the most consoling presage of its happiness. By James Madison Europe Charters Granted Liberty Power

May it not be asked of every intelligent friend to the liberties of his country, whether the power exercised in such an act as this ought not to produce great and universal alarm? Whether a rigid execution of such an act, in time past, would not have repressed that information and communication among the people which is indispensable to the just exercise of their electoral rights? And whether such an act, if made perpetual, and enforced with rigor, would not, in time to come, either destroy our free system of government, or prepare a convulsion that might prove equally fatal to it? By James Madison Act Country Alarm Asked Intelligent

It is certain that every class is interested in [educational] establishments which give to the human mind its highest improvements, and to every Country its truest and most durable celebrity. By James Madison Educational Country Establishments Improvements Celebrity

Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives. A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy or perhaps both By James Madison Knowledge Ignorance Governors Forever Govern

Besides the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation, the existence of subordinate governments, to which the people are attached, and by which the militia officers are appointed, forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition, more insurmountable than any which a simple government of any form can admit of. By James Madison People Americans Armed Nation Attached

The rights of man as the foundation of just Government had been long understood but the superstructures projected had been sadly defective By James Madison Government Defective Man Foundation Long

Rulers who wished to subvert the public liberty, may have found an established Clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just Government instituted to secure & perpetuate it needs them not. By James Madison Clergy Rulers Liberty Auxiliaries Wished

If we resort for a criterion to the different principles on which different forms of government are established, we may define a republic to be, or at least may bestow that name on, a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people, and is administered by persons holding their offices during pleasure for a limited period, or during good behavior. By James Madison Government Established People Period Behavior

In republican government the legislative authority necessarily predominates. The remedy for this ... is to divide the legislature into different branches; and to render them by different modes of election, and different principles of action, as little connected with each other as the nature of their common functions, and their common dependence on the society, will admit. By James Madison Predominates Republican Government Legislative Authority

We have seen that the tendency of republican governments is to an aggrandizement of the legislative at the expense of the other departments. The appeals to the people, therefore, would usually be made by the executive and judiciary departments. By James Madison Departments Tendency Republican Governments Aggrandizement

Experience is the oracle of truth; and where its responses are unequivocal, they ought to be conclusive and sacred. By James Madison Experience Truth Unequivocal Sacred Oracle

On the distinctive principles of the Government ... of the U. States, the best guides are to be found in ... The Declaration of Independence, as the fundamental Act of Union of these States. By James Madison Government States Distinctive Principles Independence

A just security to property is not afforded by that government, under which unequal taxes oppress one species of property and reward another species. By James Madison Government Property Species Security Afforded

Every new regulation concerning commerce or revenue; or in any manner affecting the value of the different species of property, presents a new harvest to those who watch the change and can trace its consequences; a harvest reared not by themselves but by the toils and cares of the great body of their fellow citizens. This is a state of things in which it may be said with some truth that laws are made for the few not for the many. By James Madison Harvest Revenue Property Presents Consequences

What becomes of the surplus of human life? It is either, 1st. destroyed by infanticide, as among the Chinese and Lacedemonians; or 2d. it is stifled or starved, as among other nations whose population is commensurate to its food; or 3d. it is consumed by wars and endemic diseases; or 4th. it overflows, by emigration, to places where a surplus of food is attainable. By James Madison Life Human Surplus Lacedemonians Food

What prudent merchant will hazard his fortunes in any new branch of commerce when he knows not that his plans may be rendered unlawful before they can be executed? By James Madison Executed Prudent Merchant Hazard Fortunes

In a society under the forms of which the stronger faction can readily unite and oppress the weaker, anarchy may as truly be said to reign as in a state of nature. By James Madison Weaker Anarchy Nature Society Forms

Good conscience is the most valuable asset of all! By James Madison Good Conscience Valuable Asset

I own myself the friend to a very free system of commerce, and hold it as a truth, that commercial shackles are generally unjust, oppressive and impolitic - it is also a truth, that if industry and labour are left to take their own course, they will generally be directed to those objects which are the most productive, and this in a more certain and direct manner than the wisdom of the most enlightened legislature could point out. By James Madison Truth Generally Commerce Unjust Oppressive

The censorial power is in the people over the government, and not in the government over the people. By James Madison People Government Censorial Power

No distinction seems to be more obvious than that between spiritual and temporal matters. Yet whenever they have been made objects of Legislation, they have clashed and contended with each other, till one or the other has gained the supremacy. By James Madison Matters Legislation Distinction Obvious Spiritual

To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea. By James Madison People Idea Suppose Form Government

The express authority of the people alone could give validity to the Constitution. By James Madison Constitution Express Authority People Give

Crisis is the rallying cry of the tyrant. By James Madison Crisis Tyrant Rallying Cry

Any reading not of a vicious species must be a good substitute for the amusements too apt to fill up the leisure of the labouring classes. By James Madison Classes Reading Vicious Species Good

Democracy was the right of the people to choose their own tyrant. By James Madison Democracy Tyrant People Choose

A man has a property in his opinions and the free communication of them. By James Madison Man Property Opinions Free Communication

To the press alone, chequered as it is with abuses, the world is indebted for all the triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression. By James Madison Chequered Abuses Oppression Press World

Respect for character is always diminished in proportion to the number among whom the blame or praise is to be divided. By James Madison Respect Divided Character Diminished Proportion

[at the Constitutional Convention] the States were divided into different interests not by their difference of size, but principally from their having or not having slaves. It did not lie between the large and small States: it lay between the Northern and Southern. By James Madison Convention Constitutional States Size Slaves

This policy of supplying by opposite and rival interests, the defect of better motives, might be traced through the whole system of human affairs, both private and public. By James Madison Interests Motives Affairs Public Policy

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. By James Madison Power Charter Derived People Legitimate

The problem to be solved is, not what form of government is perfect, but which of the forms is least imperfect. By James Madison Perfect Imperfect Problem Solved Government

The number, the industry, and the morality of the priesthood, and the devotion of the people have been manifestly increased by the total separation of the church from the state. By James Madison Number Industry Priesthood State Morality

Democracy is the most vile form of government. By James Madison Democracy Government Vile Form

A republic, by which I mean a government in which the scheme of representation takes place, opens a different prospect and promises the cure for which we are seeking. By James Madison Republic Place Opens Seeking Government

An oath-the strongest of religious ties. By James Madison Ties Oaththe Strongest Religious

The growing wealth aquired by them corporations never fails to be a source of abuses. By James Madison Abuses Growing Wealth Aquired Corporations

It may be concluded that a pure democracy ... can admit no cure for the mischiefs of faction. By James Madison Democracy Concluded Pure Faction Admit

But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflection on human nature? By James Madison Nature Government Greatest Reflection Human

Large and permanent military establishments ... are forbidden by the principles of free government, and against the necessity of which the militia were meant to be a constitutional bulwark. By James Madison Large Establishments Government Bulwark Permanent

Each State, in ratifying the Constitution, is considered as a sovereign body, independent of all others, and only to be bound by its own voluntary act. In this relation, then, the new Constitution will, if established, be a FEDERAL, and not a NATIONAL constitution. By James Madison State Constitution Body Independent Act

A standing army is one of the greatest mischief that can possibly happen. By James Madison Happen Standing Army Greatest Mischief

I have no doubt but that the misery of the lower classes will be found to abate whenever the Government assumes a freer aspect and the laws favor a subdivision of Property. By James Madison Property Government Doubt Misery Lower

It is a misfortune incident to republican government, though in a less degree than to other governments, that those who administer it, may forget their obligations to their constituents, and prove unfaithful to their important trust. By James Madison Constituents Trust Government Misfortune Incident

In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority. By James Madison Republics Minority Great Danger Majority

At cheaper and nearer seats of Learning parents with slender incomes may place their sons in a course of education putting them on a level with the sons of the Richest. By James Madison Richest Learning Sons Cheaper Nearer

The first question that offers itself is, whether the general form and aspect of the government be strictly republican? It is evident that no other form would be reconcileable with the genius of the people of America; with the fundamental principles of the revolution; or with that honourable determination which animates every votary of freedom, to rest all our political experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government. By James Madison Form Republican Question Offers General

The operations of the federal government will be most extensive and important in times of war and danger; those of the State governments, in times of peace and security. By James Madison Times State Danger Security Operations

I consider it ... as subverting the fundamental and characteristic principle of the Government ... and as bidding defiance to the sense in which the Constitution is known to have been proposed, advocated, and adopted. If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money, and will promote the General Welfare, the Government is no longer a limited one. By James Madison Government Constitution Welfare Advocated Congress

I, sir, have always conceived - I believe those who proposed the constitution conceived,and it is still more fully known, and more material to observe, those who ratified the constitution conceived, that this is not an indefinite government deriving its powers from the general terms prefixed to the specified powers - but, a limited government tied down to the specified powers, which explain and define the general terms. By James Madison Powers Conceived General Constitution Terms

No man can be a competent legislator who does not add to an upright intention and a sound judgment a certain degree of knowledge of the subject on which he is to legislate. By James Madison Legislate Man Competent Legislator Add

[The public has] the habit now of invalidating opinions emanating from me by reference to my age and infirmities. By James Madison Infirmities Public Habit Invalidating Opinions

Oppressors can tyrannize only when they achieve a standing army, an enslaved press, and a disarmed populace. By James Madison Oppressors Army Press Populace Tyrannize

Liberty may be endangered by the abuses of liberty as well as by the abuses of power. By James Madison Abuses Power Liberty Endangered

The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted. By James Madison Mistrusted Truth Men Power

To have submitted it to the legislative discretion of the States, would have been improper for the same reason; and for the additional reason that it would have rendered too dependent on the State governments that branch of the federal government which ought to be dependent on the people alone. By James Madison Dependent States State Reason Submitted

Each generation should be made to bear the burden of its own wars, instead of carrying them on, at the expense of other generations. By James Madison Wars Made Bear Burden Carrying

The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse. By James Madison Power Government Lodged Hands Abuse

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense of a free country. By James Madison Militia Composed People Trained Arms

Cursed be all that learning that is contrary to the cross of Christ. By James Madison Christ Cursed Learning Contrary Cross

Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks-no form of government can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea, if there be sufficient virtue and intelligence in the community, it will be exercised in the selection of these men. So that we do not depend on their virtue, or put confidence in our rulers, but in the people who are to choose them. By James Madison Virtue Form Government People Secure

Where we see the same faults followed regularly by the same misfortunes, we may reasonably think that if we could have known the first we might have avoided the others. By James Madison Misfortunes Faults Regularly Avoided

There is in every breast a sensibility to marks of honor, of favor, of esteem, and of confidence, which, apart from all considerations of interest, is some pledge for grateful and benevolent returns. Ingratitude is a common topic of declamation against human nature; and it must be confessed, that instances of it are but too infrequent and flagrant both in public and in private life. But the universal and extreme indignation which it inspires, is itself a proof of the energy and prevalence of the contrary sentiment. By James Madison Honor Favor Esteem Confidence Interest

Security against foreign danger is one of the primitive objects of civil society. It is an avowed and essential object of the American Union. By James Madison Security Society Foreign Danger Primitive

Man is known to be a selfish, as well as a social being. By James Madison Man Selfish Social

The danger of disturbing the public tranquillity by interesting too strongly the public passions, is a still more serious objection against a frequent reference of constitutional questions to the decision of the whole society. By James Madison Public Passions Society Danger Disturbing

The real difference of interests, lay not between large and small, but between the Northern and Southern states. The institution of slavery and its consequences formed a line of discrimination. By James Madison Northern Southern Interests Lay Small

Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governour of the Universe: And if a member of Civil Society, do it with a saving of his allegiance to the Universal Sovereign. We maintain therefore that in matters of Religion, no man's right is abridged by the institution of Civil Society and that Religion is wholly exempt from its cognizance. By James Madison Civil Society Considered Member Universe

Whilst we assert for ourselves a freedom to embrace, to profess and observe the Religion which we believe to be of divine origin, we cannot deny equal freedom to those whose minds have not yet yielded to the evidence which has convinced us. If this freedom be abused, it is an offense against God, not against man:To God, therefore, not to man, must an account of it be rendered. By James Madison Religion Freedom God Whilst Embrace

The safety and happiness of society are the objects at which all political institutions aim, and to which all such institutions must be sacrificed. By James Madison Aim Sacrificed Institutions Safety Happiness

Resolved, That the General Assembly of Virginia, doth unequivocally express a firm resolution to maintain and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of this State, against every aggression either foreign or domestic, and that they will support the Government of the United States in all measures warranted by the former. By James Madison Constitution United States Virginia State

[A]s it must be admitted that the remedy under the Constitution lies where it has been marked out by the Constitution; and that no appeal can be consistently made from that remedy by those who were and still profess to be parties to it, but the appeal to the parties themselves having an authority above the Constitution or to the law of nature & of nature's God. By James Madison Constitution Nature God Remedy Appeal

As the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial departments of the United States are co-ordinate, and each equally bound to support the Constitution, it follows that each must in the exercise of its functions be guided by the text of the Constitution according to its own interpretation of it. By James Madison Constitution Executive Legislative Judicial United

Is there a Legislative power in fact, not expressly prohibited by the Constitution, which might not, according to the doctrine of the Court, be exercised as a means of carrying into effect some specified Power? By James Madison Constitution Court Power Legislative Fact

The future and success of America is not in this Constitution, but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded. By James Madison Constitution America God Founded Future

THE Constitution proposed by the convention may be considered under two general points of view. The FIRST relates to the sum or quantity of power which it vests in the government, including the restraints imposed on the States. The SECOND, to the particular structure of the government, and the distribution of this power among its branches. By James Madison Constitution Government View Proposed Convention

This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land. By James Madison United States Made Constitution Land

In all the co-temporary discussions and comments, which the Constitution underwent, it was constantly justified and recommended on the ground, that the powers not given to the government, were withheld from it. By James Madison Constitution Comments Underwent Ground Government

It is to be the assent and ratification of the several States, derived from the supreme authority in each State, the authority of the people themselves. The act, therefore establishing the Constitution, will not be a NATIONAL, but a FEDERAL act. By James Madison States State Authority Derived Act

Nothing has yet been offered to invalidate the doctrine that the meaning of the Constitution may as well be ascertained by the Legislative as by the Judicial authority. By James Madison Constitution Legislative Judicial Authority Offered

The number of individuals employed under the Constitution of the United States will be much smaller than the number employed under the particular States. By James Madison States Number Employed Constitution United

To consider the degree of concord which ultimately prevailed as less than a miracle. By James Madison Miracle Degree Concord Ultimately Prevailed

Can it be of less consequence that the meaning of a Constitution should be fixed and known, than a meaning of a law should be so? By James Madison Meaning Constitution Consequence Fixed Law

The important distinction so well understood in America between a constitution established by the people, and unalterable by the government; and a law established by the government, and alterable by the government, seems to have been little understood and less observed in any other country. Wherever the supreme power of legislation has resided, has been supposed to reside also, a full power to change the form of government. By James Madison Government Established America Understood People

The happy Union of these States is a wonder; their Constitution a miracle; their example the hope of Liberty throughout the world. By James Madison Union States Constitution Liberty Miracle

The constitution supposes, what the History of all Governments demonstrates, that the Executive is the branch of power most interested in war, and most prone to it. By James Madison History Governments Executive Supposes Demonstrates

The proposed Constitution is, in strictness, neither a national nor a federal constitution; but a composition of both. By James Madison Constitution Strictness Proposed National Federal

It was impossible to confine a Government to the exercise of express powers; there must necessarily be admitted powers by implication, unless the Constitution descended to recount every minutia By James Madison Government Constitution Powers Implication Minutia

Our Constitution represents the work of the finger of Almighty God. By James Madison God Constitution Almighty Represents Work

The purpose of the Constitution is to restrict the majority's ability to harm a minority. By James Madison Constitution Minority Purpose Restrict Majority

The aim of every political Constitution, is or ought to be first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of society; and in the next place, to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust. By James Madison Constitution Discern Pursue Society Place

A President is impeachable if he attempts to subvert the Constitution. By James Madison Constitution President Impeachable Attempts Subvert

An armed and trained militia is the firmest bulwark of republics - that without standing armies their liberty can never be in danger, nor with large ones safe ... By James Madison Republics Danger Safe Armed Trained

I should not regret a fair and full trial of the entire abolition of capital punishment. By James Madison Punishment Regret Fair Full Trial

Thus the right of nullification meant by Mr. Jefferson is the natural right, which all admit to be a remedy against insupportable oppression. By James Madison Jefferson Oppression Nullification Meant Natural

[T]here remains [in some parts of the country] a strong bias towards the old error, that without some sort of alliance or coalition between Govt. & Religion neither can be duly supported. Such indeed is the tendency to such a coalition, and such its corrupting influence on both parties, that the danger cannot be too carefully guarded agst. By James Madison Govt Remains Country Error Parts

The settled opinion here is that religion is essentially distinct from Civil Govt. and exempt from its cognizance; that a connection between them is injurious to both ... By James Madison Civil Govt Cognizance Settled Opinion

That the foundation of our national policy should be laid in private morality. If individuals be not influenced by moral principles, it is in vain to look for public virtue; it is, therefore, the duty of legislators to enforce, both by precept and example, the utility, as well as the necessity, of a strict adherence to the rules of distributive justice. By James Madison Morality Foundation National Policy Laid

There is not a more important and fundamental principle in legislation, than that the ways and means ought always to face the public engagements; that our appropriations should ever go hand in hand with our promises. By James Madison Legislation Engagements Promises Hand Important

Had every Athenian citizen been a Socrates, every Athenian assembly would still have been a mob. By James Madison Athenian Socrates Mob Citizen Assembly

[Y]ou will understand the game behind the curtain too well not to perceive the old trick of turning every contingency into a resource for accumulating force in the government. By James Madison Government Understand Game Curtain Perceive

Popular liberty might then have escaped the indelible reproach of decreeing to the same citizens, the hemlock on one day, and statues on the next. By James Madison Popular Citizens Day Liberty Escaped

If justice, good faith, honor, gratitude and all the other qualities which enoble the character of a nation, and fulfill the ends of Government be the fruits of our establishments, the cause of liberty will acquire a dignity and lustre, which it has never yet enjoyed, and an example will be set, which can not but have the most favorable influence on the rights of Mankind. By James Madison Mankind Honor Government Justice Good

In this relation, then, the proposed government cannot be deemed a national one; since its jurisdiction extends to certain enumerated objects only, and leaves to the several states, a residuary and inviolable sovereignty over all other objects. By James Madison Relation States Objects Proposed Government

We have seen the mere distinction of color made in the most enlightened period of time, a ground of the most oppressive dominion ever exercised by man over man. By James Madison Man Time Mere Distinction Color

Should ardent spirits be everywhere banished from the list of drinks, it will be a revolution not the least remarkable in this revolutionary age, and our country will have its full share in that as in other merits. By James Madison Drinks Age Merits Ardent Spirits

Since it is impossible for the people spontaneously and universally, to move in concert towards their object; and it is therefore essential, that such changes be instituted by some informal and unauthorized propositions, made by some patriotic and respectable citizen or number of citizens. By James Madison Universally Object Essential Propositions Made

Where a majority are united by a common sentiment, and have an opportunity, the rights of the minor party become insecure. By James Madison Sentiment Opportunity Insecure Majority United

That diabolical Hell conceived principle of persecution rages amoung some and to their eternal Infamy the Clergy can furnish their Quota of Imps for such business. By James Madison Hell Infamy Clergy Quota Imps

Government is instituted to protect property of every sort; as well that which lies in the various rights of individuals, as that which the term particularly expresses. This being the end of government, that alone is a just government which impartially secures to every man whatever is his own. By James Madison Sort Individuals Expresses Government Instituted

As 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, it seems strictly consonant to the republican theory, to recur to the same original authority, not only whenever it may be necessary to enlarge, diminish, or new-model the powers of the government, but also whenever any one of the departments may commit encroachments on the chartered authorities of the others. By James Madison Government Power Diminish Charter Derived

As to the permanent interest of individuals in the aggregated interests of the community, and in the proverbial maxim, that honesty is the best policy, present temptation is often found to be an overmatch for those considerations. By James Madison Community Maxim Policy Present Considerations

Freedom has more often been lost in small steps by progressive incrementalism, than it has been by catastrophic upheavals such as violence or war. By James Madison Freedom Incrementalism War Lost Small

It is to the press mankind are indebted for having dispelled the clouds which so long encompassed religion, for disclosing her genuine lustre, and disseminating her salutary doctrines. By James Madison Religion Lustre Doctrines Press Mankind

How a regulation so unjust in itself, so foreign to the authority of Congress, and so hurtful to the sale of public land, and smelling so strongly of an antiquated bigotry, could have received the countenance of a committee is truly a matter of astonishment. By James Madison Congress Land Bigotry Astonishment Regulation

[The proposed establishment] will have a ... tendency to banish our Citizens ... To superadd a fresh motive to emigration by revoking the liberty which they now enjoy, would be the same species of folly which has dishonoured and depopulated flourishing kingdoms. By James Madison Establishment Proposed Citizens Tendency Enjoy

It is a principle incorporated into the settled policy of America, that as peace is better than war, war is better than tribute. By James Madison America War Tribute Principle Incorporated

What spectacle can be more edifying or more seasonable, than that of Liberty and Learning, each leaning on the other for their mutual and surest support? By James Madison Learning Liberty Seasonable Support Spectacle

If Congress can employ money indefinitely to the general welfare ... they may appoint teachers in every state ... The powers of Congress would subvert the very foundation, the very nature of the limited government established by the people of America. By James Madison Congress Welfare Employ Money Indefinitely

Frequent elections are unquestionably the only policy by which this dependence and sympathy can be effectually secured. But what particular degree of frequency may be absolutely necessary for the purpose, does not appear to be susceptible of any precise calculation; and must depend on a variety of circumstances with which it may be connected. Let us consult experience, the guide that ought always to be followed, whenever it can be found. By James Madison Frequent Secured Elections Unquestionably Policy

If the public homage of a people can ever be worthy of the favorable regard of the Holy and Omniscient Being to Whom it is addressed, it must be that in which those who join in it are guided only be their free choice-by the impulse of their hearts and the dictates of their consciences ... By James Madison Holy Omniscient Addressed Consciences Public

Every man who loves peace, every man who loves his country, every man who loves liberty ought to have it ever before his eyes that he may cherish in his heart a due attachment to the Union of America and be able to set a due value on the means of preserving it. By James Madison Man Loves Union America Due

It is the duty of every man to render to the Creator such homage ... Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe ... By James Madison Creator Homage Man Considered Duty

We have the self-evident right to regulate our trade according to our own will and our own interest ... This right can be denied to no independent nation. By James Madison Interest Selfevident Regulate Trade Nation

A certain degree of preparation for war ... affords also the best security for the continuance of peace. By James Madison War Degree Preparation Affords Peace

It is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties ... The freemen of America did not wait till usurped power had strengthened itself by exercise, and entangled the question in precedents. They saw all the consequences in the principle, and they avoided the consequences by denying the principle. We revere this lesson too much, soon to forget it ... By James Madison Liberties Principle Proper Alarm Experiment

Precedents once established are so much positive power. By James Madison Precedents Power Established Positive

[In government] the constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as that each may be a check on the other-that the private interest of every individual may be a sentinel over the public rights. By James Madison Government Constant Aim Divide Arrange

I go by the great republican principle, that the people will have the virtue and intelligence to select men of virtue and wisdom [to the offices of government]. By James Madison Virtue Principle Wisdom Government Great

To provide employment for the poor, and support for the indigent, is among the primary, and, at the same time, not least difficult cares of the public authority. By James Madison Poor Indigent Primary Time Authority

When indeed Religion is kindled into enthusiasm, its force like that of other passions is increased by the sympathy of a multitude. But enthusiasm is only a temporary state of Religion, and whilst it lasts will hardly be seen with pleasure at the helm. Even in its coolest state, it has been much oftener a motive to oppression than a restraint from it. By James Madison Religion Multitude Enthusiasm Kindled Force

That is not a just government where arbitrary restrictions, exemptions, and monopolies deny to part of its citizens that free use of their faculties, and free choice of their occupations. By James Madison Exemptions Free Restrictions Faculties Occupations

Quotes. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives. By James Madison Quotes Knowledge Ignorance Forever Govern

There is not a shadow of right in the general government to intermingle with religion. Its least interference with it would be a most flagrant usurpation. By James Madison Religion Shadow General Government Intermingle

Where an excess of power prevails, property of no sort is duly respected. No man is safe in his opinions, his person, his faculties, or his possessions. By James Madison Prevails Property Respected Excess Power

The regulation of commerce, it is true, is a new power; but that seems to be an addition which few oppose and from which no apprehensions are entertained. By James Madison Commerce True Power Entertained Regulation

I have sometimes thought there could be no stronger testimony in favor of Religion or against temporal Enjoyments even the most rational and manly than for men who occupy the most honorable and gainful departments and are rising in reputation and wealth, publicly to declare their unsatisfactoriness by becoming fervent Advocates in the cause of Christ, & I wish you may give in your Evidence in this way. Such instances have seldom occurred, therefore they would be more striking and would be instead of a Cloud of Witnesses. By James Madison Christ Religion Enjoyments Advocates Evidence

The strongest passions and most dangerous weaknesses of the human breast; ambition, avarice, vanity, the honorable or venal love of fame, are all in conspiracy against the desire and duty of peace By James Madison Ambition Avarice Vanity Breast Fame

It would have marked a want of foresight in the convention, which our own experience would have rendered inexcusable. By James Madison Convention Inexcusable Marked Foresight Experience

As the war was just in its origin and necessary and noble in its objects, we can reflect with a proud satisfaction that in carrying it on no principle of justice or honor, no usage of civilized nations, no precept of courtesy or humanity, have been infringed. By James Madison Objects Honor Nations Humanity Infringed

[R]efusing or not refusing to execute a law to stamp it with its final character ... makes the Judiciary department paramount in fact to the Legislature, which was never intended and can never be proper. By James Madison Efusing Character Refusing Execute Law

If we are to be one Nation in any respect, it clearly ought to be in respect to other Nations. By James Madison Nation Nations Respect

The means of defence agst. foreign danger, have been always the instruments of tyranny at home. By James Madison Agst Defence Foreign Danger Home

The public affairs of the union are spread throughout a very extensive region, and are extremely diversified by the local affairs connected with them, and can with difficulty be learnt in any other place, than in the central councils, to which a knowledge of them will be brought by the representatives of every part of the empire. Yet some knowledge of the affairs, and even of the laws of all the states, ought to be possessed by the members from each of the states. By James Madison Affairs Knowledge Region Place Councils

The power of taxing people and their property is essential to the very existence of government. By James Madison Government Power Taxing People Property

The political truths declared in that solemn manner acquire by degrees the character of fundamental maxims of free Government, and as they become incorporated with national sentiment, counteract the impulses of interest and passion. By James Madison Government Sentiment Counteract Passion Political

As the cool and deliberate sense of the community ought, in all governments, and actually will, in all free governments, ultimately prevail over the views of its rulers; so there are particular moments in public affairs when the people, stimulated by some irregular passion, or some illicit advantage, or misled by the artful misrepresentations of interested men, may call for measures which they themselves will afterwards be the most ready to lament and condemn. By James Madison Governments Ultimately Rulers People Stimulated

If slavery, as a national evil, is to be abolished, and it be just that it be done at the national expense, the amount of the expense is not a paramount consideration. By James Madison National Expense Slavery Evil Abolished

Temporary deviations from fundamental principles are always more or less dangerous. When the first pretext fails, those who become interested in prolonging the evil will rarely be at a loss for other pretexts. By James Madison Temporary Dangerous Deviations Fundamental Principles

Religious bondage shackles and debilitates the mind, and unfits it for every noble enterprise, every expanded prospect.[Letter to William Bradford Jr. April 1 1774] By James Madison Letter April William Bradford Religious

The general government is proscribed from the interfering, in any manner whatsoever, in matters respecting religion; and it may be thought to do this, in ascertaining who, and who are not, ministers of the gospel. By James Madison Interfering Whatsoever Religion Ministers Gospel

I wish not to be regarded as an advocate for the particular organizations of the several state governments ... they carry strong marks of the haste, and still stronger marks of the inexperience, under which they were framed. By James Madison Governments Regarded Advocate Organizations State

Having outlived so many of my contemporaries, I ought not to forget that I may be thought to have outlived myself. By James Madison Contemporaries Outlived Forget Thought

That this liberty [of the press] is often carried to excess; that it has sometimes degenerated into licentiousness, is seen and lamented, but the remedy has not yet been discovered. Perhaps it is an evil inseparable from the good with which it is allied; perhaps it is a shoot which cannot be stripped from the stalk without wounding vitally the plant from which it is torn. However desirable those measures might be which might correct without enslaving the press, they have never yet been devised in America. By James Madison Press Liberty Excess Licentiousness Lamented

[Montesquieu] lifted the veil from the venerable errors which enslaved opinion, and pointed the way to those luminous truths of which he had but a glimpse himself. By James Madison Montesquieu Lifted Opinion Veil Venerable

At first view it might seem not to square with the republican theory, to suppose either that a majority have not the right, or that a minority will have the force to subvert a government ... But theoretic reasoning in this, as in most other cases, must be qualified by the lessons of practice. By James Madison Theory Government View Square Republican

It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood. By James Madison Laws Read Understood Avail People

It is sufficiently obvious, that persons and property are the two great subjects on which Governments are to act; and that the rights of persons, and the rights of property, are the objects, for the protection of which Government was instituted. These rights cannot well be separated. By James Madison Governments Persons Property Obvious Act

The rights of persons, and the rights of property, are the objects, for the protection of which Government was instituted. By James Madison Government Persons Property Objects Instituted

[In the case of] dangerous exercise of other powers, not granted by the said compact, the states, who are parties thereto, have the right, and are duty bound, to interpose for arresting the progress of the evil. By James Madison Dangerous Powers Compact States Thereto

I regret, as much as any member, the unavoidable weight and duration of the burdens to be imposed; having never been a proselyte to the doctrine, that public debts are public benefits. I consider them, on the contrary, as evils which ought to be removed as fast as honor and justice will permit. By James Madison Public Regret Member Imposed Doctrine

When men exercise their reason coolly and freely, on a variety of distinct questions, they inevitably fall into different opinions, on some of them. When they are governed by a common passion, their opinions if they are so to be called, will be the same. By James Madison Freely Questions Opinions Men Exercise

Liberty is to faction what air is to fire... By James Madison Liberty Fire Faction Air

Torrents of blood have been spilt in the world in vain attempts of the secular arm to extinguish religious discord, by proscribing all differences in religious opinions. By James Madison