Skip to content

Appropriation Quote by James Madison

“There is not a more important and fundamental principle in…” quote by James Madison
Download Open image
“There is not a more important and fundamental principle in legislation, than that the ways and means ought always to face the public engagements; that our appropriations should ever go hand in hand with our promises. To say that the United States should be answerable for twenty-five millions of dollars without knowing whether the ways and means can be provided, and without knowing whether those who are to succeed us will think with us on the subject, would be rash and unjustifiable. Sir, in my opinion, it would be hazarding the public faith in a manner contrary to every idea of prudence.”

James Madison

4.7 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by James Madison

Explore all 628 James Madison quotes

More Appropriation quotes

Browse all 86 Appropriation quotes