And love Quote by James Madison
![“[T]he delegation of the government, in [a republic], to a small number of citizens elected by the rest . . . [is] to refine and enlarge the public views by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country and whose…” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ffa/james-madison-373_and-love_t-he-delegation-of-the-government-in-a-r_999223.jpg)
“[T]he delegation of the government, in [a republic], to a small number of citizens elected by the rest . . . [is] to refine and enlarge the public views by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations.”
About This Quote
Source The: The Federalist Papers, No. 62, 1788
A small elected group should refine public opinion, using wisdom and patriotism to protect the nation from fleeting interests.
In simple terms: Elected representatives improve public decisions.
Key Takeaway
Choose wise, patriotic leaders.
Themes
governance
representation
wisdom
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative elections
- policy debates
- civic education
- community meetings
Key Concepts
republican theory
public deliberation
Questions to Reflect On
- What qualities ensure representatives act in the public good?
- How can citizens hold them accountable?
A Different Perspective
Risk of elite capture or bias.
![“[the framers of the Constitution] intended our government should be a republic, which differs more widely from a democracy than a democracy from a despotism.” quote by Fisher Ames](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8f1/fisher-ames-19639_constitution_the-framers-of-the-constitution-intended_2570843.jpg)
![“[O]ur sages in the great [constitutional] convention... intended our government should be a republic which differs more widely from a democracy than a democracy from a despotism. The rigours of a despotism often... oppress only a few, but it is the very essence and nature of a democracy, for a…” quote by Fisher Ames](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/76a/fisher-ames-19639_chiefs_o-ur-sages-in-the-great-constitutional-c_1555181.jpg)
![“The Constitution expressly and exclusively vests in the Legislature the power of declaring a state of war [and] the power of raising armies… A delegation of such powers [to the President] would have struck, not only at the fabric of our Constitution, but at the foundation of all well organized and…” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1e3/james-madison-373_army_the-constitution-expressly-and-exclusive_277138.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)
