James Madison

A good government implies two things: fidelity to the object of government, which is the happiness of the people; secondly, read more

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

What prudent merchant will hazard his fortunes in any new branch of commerce when he knows not that his plans read more

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?

Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the read more

Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.

The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable read more

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

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense read more

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense of a free country.