Congress Quote by James Madison
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“[I]t is more convenient to prevent the passage of a law, than to declare it void after it has passed.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Federalist Papers, No. 51, 1788
It is easier to stop a law before it is enacted than to undo it after it becomes effective.
In simple terms: Preventing bad laws is easier than repealing them.
Key Takeaway
Act early to block harmful legislation.
Themes
law
prevention
policy
legislation
governance
Mood
cautious
strategic
Type
political
legal
When to use this quote
- parliamentary drafting
- policy advocacy
- legal reform
Key Concepts
preventive governance
legislative foresight
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies design better safeguards against bad laws?
- What mechanisms can make repeal easier?
A Different Perspective
Even after a law passes, reversal can be politically costly.
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