Quotes from James Madison

A well-instructed people alone can be permanently a free people.

War should only be declared by the authority of the people, whose toils and treasures are to support its burdens, instead of the government which is to reap its fruits.

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.

The number, the industry, and the morality of the priesthood, and the devotion of the people have been manifestly increased by the total separation of the church from the state.

Wherever there is interest and power to do wrong, wrong will generally be done.

The nation which reposes on the pillow of political confidence, will sooner or later end its political existence in a deadly lethargy

Union of religious sentiments begets a surprising confidence

It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice, if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood; if they be repealed or revised before they are promulgated, or undergo such incessant changes that no man who knows what the law is today can guess what is will be tomorrow

We have seen the mere distinction of colour made in the most enlightened period of time, a ground of the most oppressive dominion ever exercised by man over man

Government is instituted to protect property of every sort; as well that which lies in the various rights of individuals, as that which the term particularly expresses. This being the end of government, which impartially secures to every man, whatever is his own

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

The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.