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]s it must be admitted that the remedy under the Constitution lies where it has been marked out by the Constitution; and that no appeal can be consistently made from that remedy by those who were and still profess to be parties to it, but the appeal to the parties themselves having an authority above the Constitution or to the law of nature & of nature's God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that constitutional remedies are the ultimate authority in governance, and no one can appeal beyond that framework.
James Madison emphasizes the importance of the Constitution as the foundational legal framework for governance. He argues that those who are bound by the Constitution cannot appropriately seek remedies outside of its provisions, as legitimate authority must come from the Constitution itself or the natural law that underpins it. This reflects a belief in a systematic approach to governance where constitutional principles should be upheld above all else.
Themes
ConstitutionAuthorityNatural LawGovernance
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the limits of governmental authority, this quote serves to underscore the foundational importance of the Constitution.
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.
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The advice nearest to my heart and deepest in my convictions is that the Union of the States be cherished and perpetuated.
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Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
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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.
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