Affair Quote by James Madison
“We may be assured by past experience, that such a practice [as some states charging high taxes on goods from other states] would be introduced by future contrivances; and both by that and a common knowledge of human affairs, that it would nourish unceasing animosities, and not improbably terminate in serious interruptions of the public tranquility.”
About This Quote
Source Document: The Federalist Papers, No. 10, 1787
High taxes on imports spark ongoing conflict and can destabilize society.
In simple terms: Taxes cause conflict and unrest.
Avoid punitive taxes that fuel hostility.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- trade negotiations
- budget planning
- foreign policy
- tax reform
- regional disputes
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can fair trade be maintained without escalating tensions?
- What alternatives exist to protect domestic markets?
Such taxes may also provoke retaliation and economic downturns.