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
A government resting on the minority is an aristocracy, not a Republic, and could not be safe with a numerical and physical force against it, without a standing army, an enslaved press and a disarmed populace.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A government that relies on a minority for power is not truly representative and requires oppressive measures to maintain control.
James Madison's quote critiques the nature of a government that is sustained by a minority, labeling it an aristocracy rather than a republic. He emphasizes that such a government could only survive through coercive means, including military strength, censorship of the press, and disarming citizens, indicating a fundamental conflict with democratic principles of representation and liberty.
Themes
GovernmentMinorityPowerAristocracyRepublicFreedomOppression
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of majority representation.
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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