Skip to content

Can do Quote by James Madison

“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…” quote by James Madison
Download Open image
“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…”

James Madison

About This Quote

Source The: The Federalist Papers, No. 51, 1788

When money dictates policy, government power expands beyond its original limits, undermining constitutional constraints.

In simple terms: Money can erode limited government.

Key Takeaway

Guard against fiscal influence on politics.

Themes

government power money constitution

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • legislative budgeting
  • campaign finance reform
  • public accountability

Key Concepts

fiscal policy political economy constitutional limits

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does money shape policy decisions?
  • What safeguards protect limited government?
A Different Perspective

The quote assumes money always corrupts, ignoring potential beneficial spending.

3.0 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by James Madison

Explore all 628 James Madison quotes

More Can do quotes

Browse all 5,673 Can do quotes