To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea.
JAMES MADISONCommercial shackles are generally unjust, oppressive, and impolitic.
More James Madison Quotes
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Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power.
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Whenever a youth is ascertained to possess talents meriting an education which his parents cannot afford, he should be carried forward at the public expense.
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A man has a property in his opinions and the free communication of them.
JAMES MADISON -
Religion flourishes in greater purity, without than with the aid of Government.
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I have no doubt but that the misery of the lower classes will be found to abate whenever the Government assumes a freer aspect and the laws favor a subdivision of Property.
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The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.
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Of all the enemies of public liberty, war is perhaps the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other.
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The protection of these faculties is the first object of government.
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They throw that light over the public mind which is the best security against crafty and dangerous encroachments on the public liberty.
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Any reading not of a vicious species must be a good substitute for the amusements too apt to fill up the leisure of the labouring classes.
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Union of religious sentiments begets a surprising confidence.
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The operations of the federal government will be most extensive and important in times of war and danger; those of the state governments, in times of peace and security.
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The class of citizens who provide at once their own food and their own raiment, may be viewed as the most truly independent and happy.
JAMES MADISON -
What prudent merchant will hazard his fortunes in any new branch of commerce when he knows not that his plans may be rendered unlawful before they can be executed?
JAMES MADISON -
We are right to take alarm at the first experiment upon our liberties.
JAMES MADISON