James Madison
James Madison
James Madison, Jr.was a political theorist, American statesman, and the fourth President of the United States. He is hailed as the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionUS President
Date of Birth16 March 1751
CityPort Conway, VA
CountryUnited States of America
James Madison quotes about
party passion sacrifice
A pure democracy can admit no cure for the mischiefs of faction. A common passion or interest will be felt by a majority, and there is nothing to check the inducements to sacrifice the weaker party. Hence it is, that democracies have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have, in general, been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths.
government perfect presidential
The problem to be solved is, not what form of government is perfect, but which of the forms is least imperfect.
government abuse purpose
It is very certain that [the commerce clause] grew out of the abuse of the power by the importing States in taxing the non-importing, and was intended as a negative and preventive provision against injustice among the States themselves, rather than as a power to be used for the positive purposes of the General Government.
confidence money self-esteem
The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money.
war liberty bears
Each generation should be made to bear the burden of its own wars, instead of carrying them on, at the expense of other generations.
government religion atheism
The civil government ... functions with complete success ... by the total separation of the Church from the State.
power men liberty
In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.
character blessing government
Stability in government is essential to national character and to the advantages annexed to it, as well as to that repose and confidence in the minds of the people, which are among the chief blessings of civil society.
circulation no-confidence ifs
Let the influx of money be ever so great, if there be no confidence, property will sink in value... The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money.
government debt goes-on
I go on the principle that a public debt is a public curse and in a republican government more than in any other.
war preparation establishment
How could a readiness for war in time of peace be safely prohibited, unless we could prohibit, in like manner, the preparations and establishments of every hostile nation?
mean hands promise
There is not a more important and fundamental principle in legislation, than that the ways and means ought always to face the public engagements; that our appropriations should ever go hand in hand with our promises.
war government important
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.
eye names heaven
A watchful eye must be kept on ourselves lest while we are building ideal monuments of Renown and Bliss here we neglect to have our names enrolled in the Annals of Heaven.