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
Can it be of less consequence that the meaning of a Constitution should be fixed and known, than a meaning of a law should be so?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The stability and clarity of a Constitution's interpretation is essential, just as it is for laws.
In this quote, James Madison emphasizes the importance of having a clear and fixed interpretation of the Constitution, suggesting that its meaning should hold as much significance and certainty as the meaning of any law. This underscores the foundational role of a Constitution in a democratic society, whereby its understanding impacts governance and the protection of rights.
Themes
ConstitutionLawInterpretationGovernanceDemocracy
In practice
Example use cases
During a constitutional law seminar discussing the role of the Constitution in modern governance.
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
Similar quotes
Where can I find a man who has forgotten words so I can have a word with him?
ZhuangziRead
Not longer loved or fostered by religion, beauty is lifted from its face as a mask, and its absence exposes features on that face which threaten to become incomprehensible to man.
Hans Urs Von BalthasarRead
No burden is so heavy for a man to bear as a succession of happy days.
Max PlanckRead
There is not one piece of cosmic dust that is outside the scope of God's sovereign providence.
R. C. SproulRead
Imperialism is a system of exploitation that occurs not only in the brutal form of those who come with guns to conquer territory. Imperialism often occurs in more subtle forms, a loan, food aid, blackmail . We are fighting this system that allows a handful of men on earth to rule all of humanity.
Thomas SankaraRead
Remember one thing about democracy. We can have anything we want and at the same time, we always end up with exactly what we deserve.
Edward AlbeeRead