James Madison

If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

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 good government implies two things: fidelity to the object of government, which is the happiness of the people; secondly, read more

A good government implies two things: fidelity to the object of government, which is the happiness of the people; secondly, a knowledge of the means by which that object can be best attained

If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy

If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy

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.