Appropriation Quote by James Madison
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional address, early United States, 1790s
Legislation must match funding with promises; fiscal responsibility protects public trust and prevents reckless spending.
In simple terms: Spend only what you can responsibly fund.
Key Takeaway
Align budgets with realistic capabilities.
Themes
governance
fiscal responsibility
public trust
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- national budgeting
- policy drafting
- public finance
Key Concepts
budgeting
legislative prudence
accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards ensure budget honesty?
- How to balance ambition with fiscal limits?
A Different Perspective
Political pressures may force unrealistic promises.
![“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)
