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James Madison Quotes

4th U.S. President

James Madison, the 4th President of the United States, was born on March 16, 1751, and died on June 28, 1836. He was a key figure in drafting the U.S. Constitution and had a profound impact on the political system of the United States.

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Famous James Madison Quotes

“A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions.”

People Government Doubt Mankind Taught Separation Primaries No Doubt Dependence Freedom And Liberty Freedom Liberty Self-government Federalist Precaution Federalist Papers Separation Of Powers Controlling Government

Book:Selected Writings of James Madison

Source: Selected Writings of James Madison

“Wherever the real power in a Government lies, there is the danger of oppression.”

Real Government Lying Danger Oppression Property Rights Federalist Federalist Papers Real Power Government Lies

Book:Selected Writings of James Madison

Source: Selected Writings of James Madison

“The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite.”

Source: The Federalist, on the New Constitution, Written in the Year 1788

“Besides the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation.... Notwithstanding the military establishments in the several kingdoms of Europe, which are carried as far as the public resources will bear, the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.”

Source: The Federalist, on the New Constitution, Written in the Year 1788

“It is not certain that with this aid alone [possession of arms], they would not be able to shake off their yokes. But were the people to posses the additional advantages of local governments chosen by themselves, who could collect the national will, and direct the national force; and of officers appointed out of the militia, by these governments and attached both to them and to the militia, it may be affirmed with the greatest assurance, that the throne of every tyranny in Europe would be speedily overturned, in spite of the legions which surround it.”

“Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm.”

Political Politics Enlightened Statesmen Federalist Federalist Papers Helm Limiting Freedom

Book:The Federalist, on the New Constitution, Written in the Year 1788, by Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Madison, and Mr. Jay: with an Appendix, Containing the Letters of Pacificus and Helvidius, on the Proclamation of Neutrality of 1793; Also, the Original Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution of the United States, with the Amendments Made Thereto

Source: The Federalist, on the New Constitution, Written in the Year 1788, by Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Madison, and Mr. Jay: with an Appendix, Containing the Letters of Pacificus and Helvidius, on the Proclamation of Neutrality of 1793; Also, the Original Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution of the United States, with the Amendments Made Thereto

“Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society. It ever has been and ever will be pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit.”