Add Quote by James Madison
“No man can be a competent legislator who does not add to an upright intention and a sound judgment a certain degree of knowledge of the subject on which he is to legislate.”
About This Quote
Source The Federalist Papers, No. 55, 1788
Legislators need subject knowledge to combine good intentions and judgment into effective lawmaking.
In simple terms: Lawmakers must understand what they regulate.
Study the subject before legislating.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- law drafting
- committee hearings
- public hearings
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What knowledge gaps affect current legislators?
- How can expertise be integrated into lawmaking?
Even with knowledge, political pressures can distort decisions.