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Quote by James Madison

“A republic, by which I mean a government in which the scheme of representation takes place, opens a different prospect and promises the cure for which we are seeking.”

Quote by James Madison

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

Work

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

Composed by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, this collection of essays advocates for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, offering insights into the structure and function of the federal government. more

Author

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. more

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“The regular distribution of power into distinct departments; the introduction of legislative balances and checks; the institution of courts composed of judges holding their offices during good behavior; the representation of the people in the legislature by deputies of their own election . . . They are means, and powerful means, by which the excellences of republican government may be retained and its imperfections lessened or avoided.”

Source: The Essential Federalist: A New Reading of the Federalist Papers

“The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad, of your safety, of your prosperity, of that very liberty which you so highly prize.”

People Real Home Government Liberty Support Republican Safety Independence Unity Dear Prosperity Prize Tranquility Pillars Edifice Farewell Address Republican Government

Book:Washington's Farewell Address to the People of the United States

Source: Washington's Farewell Address to the People of the United States

“The genius of Republican liberty, seems to demand on one side, not only that all power should be derived from the people; but, that those entrusted with it should be kept in dependence on the people, by a short duration of their appointments; and, that, even during this short period, the trust should be placed not in a few, but in a number of hands.”

People Should Hands Seems Sides Numbers Liberty Genius Periods Republican Demand Dependence Appointments Duration Republican Government

Book:The Essential Federalist: A New Reading of the Federalist Papers

Source: The Essential Federalist: A New Reading of the Federalist Papers

“It is of great importance in a republic, not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers; but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part.”

Republican Importance Injustice Oppression Republic Rulers Federalist Federalist Papers Republican Government Tyranny Of The Majority

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

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

“It is a misfortune incident to republican government, though in a less degree than to other governments, that those who administer it, may forget their obligations to their constituents, and prove unfaithful to their important trust.”

May Important Government Forget Republican Prove Degrees Obligation Misfortunes Incidents Constituents Unfaithful Republican Government

Book:The Federalist: On the New Constitution, Written in 1788

Source: The Federalist: On the New Constitution, Written in 1788

“I go on the principle that a public debt is a public curse and in a republican government more than in any other.”

Government Principles Goes On Republican Debt Curse National Debt Republican Government Government Debt

Author:James Madison

“In the extent and proper structure of the Union, therefore, we behold a republican remedy for the disease incident to republican government.”

Government Republican Disease Structure Unions Remedy Incidents Republican Government

Book:Selected Writings of James Madison

Source: Selected Writings of James Madison

“The first question that offers itself is, whether the general form and aspect of the government be strictly republican? It is evident that no other form would be reconcileable with the genius of the people of America; with the fundamental principles of the revolution; or with that honourable determination which animates every votary of freedom, to rest all our political experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government.”

Source: Selected Writings of James Madison

“I considered 4 of these bills [of the revised code of Virginia] as forming a system by which every fibre would be eradicated of antient or future aristocracy; and a foundation laid for a government truly republican.”

Government Would Be Republican Foundation Bills Code Virginia Aristocracy Republican Government

Author:Thomas Jefferson

“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.”