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
To what expedient then shall we finally resort, for maintaining in practice the necessary partition of power among the several departments, as laid down in the constitution? The only answer that can be given is, that as all these exterior provisions are found to be inadequate, the defect must be supplied, by so contriving the interior structure of the government, as that its several constituent parts may, by their mutual relations, be the means of keeping each other in their proper places.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote discusses the importance of balancing power among government branches to ensure effective governance.
James Madison highlights the necessity of an internal structure within government that prevents any one department from overpowering the others, thus maintaining a proper balance of power as intended in the Constitution. He argues that external measures have proven insufficient, emphasizing that a well-structured government relies on the interrelations of its parts to regulate each other and uphold democratic principles.
Themes
PowerGovernmentBalanceDemocracyConstitution
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the importance of democratic governance, this quote can articulate the balance required in government.
More from James Madison
All quotes →No 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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