James Madison

Liberty and order will never be perfectly safe, until a trespass on the constitutional provisions for either, shall be felt read more

Liberty and order will never be perfectly safe, until a trespass on the constitutional provisions for either, shall be felt with the same keenness that resents an invasion of the dearest rights.

The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.

The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense read more

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense of a free country.

Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid read more

Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.

The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable read more

The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.