Answers Quote by James Madison
![“What is to be the consequence, in case the Congress shall misconstrue this part [the necessary and proper clause] of the Constitution and exercise powers not warranted by its true meaning, I answer the same as if they should misconstrue or enlarge any other power vested in them . . . the success…” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/80d/james-madison-373_answers_what-is-to-be-the-consequence-in-case-th_1564500.jpg)
“What is to be the consequence, in case the Congress shall misconstrue this part [the necessary and proper clause] of the Constitution and exercise powers not warranted by its true meaning, I answer the same as if they should misconstrue or enlarge any other power vested in them . . . the success of the usurpation will depend on the executive and judiciary departments, which are to expound and give effect to the legislative acts; and in a last resort a remedy must be obtained from the people, who can by the elections of more faithful representatives, annul the acts of the usurpers.”
About This Quote
Source Federalist Papers, No. 47, 1788
Madison warns that if Congress misinterprets the Constitution, the executive and judiciary will enforce it, and the people must correct it through elections.
In simple terms: Misinterpretation of law can be corrected by voting.
Key Takeaway
Vigilance and voting protect constitutional balance.
Themes
government
law
citizenship
Mood
cautious
hopeful
Type
political
educational
When to use this quote
- legislative overreach
- judicial review
- public accountability
- elections
Key Concepts
constitutional law
checks and balances
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens stay informed about constitutional issues?
- What mechanisms besides elections can check power?
A Different Perspective
Political change can be slow and may not prevent abuse.
![“[T]he bill exceeds the rightful authority to which governments are limited by the essential distinction between civil and religious functions, and violates in particular the article of the Constitution of the United States which declares that Congress shall make no law respecting a religious…” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/946/james-madison-373_administration_t-he-bill-exceeds-the-rightful-authority_2868755.jpg)
![“The free exercise clause of the constitution does not apply to any religion but Christianity. [because none of the other religions are legitimate religions.].” quote by Roy Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d91/roy-moore-12528_christianity_the-free-exercise-clause-of-the-constitu_2814016.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)
