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…”
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.
Guard against fiscal influence on politics.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legislative budgeting
- campaign finance reform
- public accountability
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does money shape policy decisions?
- What safeguards protect limited government?
The quote assumes money always corrupts, ignoring potential beneficial spending.