Authority Quote by James Madison
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional Debate, 1795
Explains that power originates from the people and must be checked by constitutional limits, urging reliance on popular authority to curb governmental overreach.
In simple terms: Power comes from people, not government.
Key Takeaway
Respect constitutional limits.
Themes
government
people
constitution
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative reform
- judicial review
- executive authority
Key Concepts
republican theory
checks and balances
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens ensure government respects limits?
- What mechanisms guard against power abuse?
A Different Perspective
Popular will can be swayed by demagoguery.
![“No power but Congress can declare war; but what is the value of this constitutional provision, if the President of his own authority may make such military movements as must bring on war? ... [T]hese remarks originate purely in a desire to maintain the powers of government as they are established…” quote by Daniel Webster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eb3/daniel-webster-2347_authority_no-power-but-congress-can-declare-war-bu_1851853.jpg)
![“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.” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/964/james-madison-373_certain_it-is-certain-that-every-class-is-intere_22217.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)