Quotes from James Madison
We maintain therefore that in matters of Religion, no man's right is abridged by the institution of Civil Society, and that Religion is wholly exempt from its cognizance.
- James Madison
What is here a right towards men, is a duty towards the Creator.
- James Madison
If men were angels, there would be no need of government.
- James Madison
Congress should not establish a religion, and enforce the legal observation of it by law, nor compel men to worship God in any Manner contrary to their conscience.
- James Madison
The smaller the number and the more permanent and conspicuous the station of men in power, the stronger must be the interest which they will individually feel in whatever concerns the government.
- James Madison
In suits at common law, trial by jury in civil cases is as essential to secure the liberty of the people as any one of the pre-existent rights of nature.
- James Madison
[Religious liberty was] in its nature an inalienable right ... because the opinions of men, depending only upon the evidence contemplated by their minds, cannot follow the dictates of other men.
- James Madison
Precedents once established are so much positive power.
- James Madison
Wherever there is interest and power to do wrong, wrong will generally be done.
- James Madison
What a perversion of the normal order of things! ... to make power the primary and central object of the social system, and Liberty but its satellite.
- James Madison
The legislative department is everywhere extending the sphere of its activity and drawing all power into its impetuous vortex.
- James Madison
Resistance to tyranny is service to God.
- James Madison