I go on the principle that a public debt is a public curse and in a republican government more than in any other.
James MadisonRead
Among the numerous advantages promised by a well-constructed Union, none deserves to be more accurately developed than its tendency to break and control the violence of faction.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A well-structured Union can effectively manage and mitigate the conflicts that arise from different factions within society.
James Madison emphasizes the importance of a strong and well-constructed Union in managing societal conflicts. He argues that one of the significant benefits of such a Union is its ability to control and reduce the violence that can result from competing factions, thus promoting stability and harmony within the state.
Themes
UnionFactionViolenceControlGovernmentStability
In practice
Example use cases
In a political discourse about the importance of a united government.
More from James Madison
All quotes βNo man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause; because his interest would certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity. With equal, nay with greater reason, a body of men are unfit to be both judges and parties at the same time.
James MadisonRead
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; but, on a candid examination of history, we shall find that turbulence, violence, and abuse of power, by the majority trampling on the rights of the minority, have produced factions and commotions, which, in republics, have, more frequently than any other cause, produced despotism.
James MadisonRead
The advice nearest to my heart and deepest in my convictions is that the Union of the States be cherished and perpetuated.
James MadisonRead
Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
James MadisonRead
The magnitude of this evil among us is so deeply felt, and so universally acknowledged, that no merit could be greater than that of devising a satisfactory remedy for it.
James MadisonRead
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