All James Madison 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. Arm
- 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… Avail
- Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with… Advantage
- I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by… Abridgement
- 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,… Background
- The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money. Better
- 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… Blood
- No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare. Anti War
- The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home. Anti War
- A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense of a free country. Arms
- If men were angels, no government would be necessary. Adversity
- 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… Duly
- Philosophy is common sense with big words. Big
- Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power. Abuse
- In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority. Danger
- It is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger, real or pretended, from… Abroad
- Wherever there is interest and power to do wrong, wrong will generally be done. Interest
- 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. Citizens
- 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… Branches
- Let me recommend the best medicine in the world: a long journey, at a mild season, through a pleasant country, in easy stages. Best
- The happy Union of these States is a wonder; their Constitution a miracle; their example the hope of Liberty throughout the world. Constitution
- A man has a property in his opinions and the free communication of them. Communication
- The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse. Abuse
- Each generation should be made to bear the burden of its own wars, instead of carrying them on, at the expense of other generations. Bear
- In no instance have... the churches been guardians of the liberties of the people. Atheism