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
The necessity of a senate is not less indicated by the propensity of all single and numerous assemblies, to yield to the impulse of sudden and violent passions, and to be seduced by factious leaders, into intemperate and pernicious resolutions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A senate is necessary to temper the rash decisions made by assemblies driven by strong emotions and influenced by manipulative leaders.
James Madison emphasizes the importance of a senate in preventing hasty and damaging decisions that can arise from emotional responses in large groups or assemblies. He suggests that without this deliberative body, assemblies may be led astray by charismatic leaders who exploit the vulnerabilities of the public to pass harmful resolutions.
Themes
SenateAssembliesLeadershipDecisionsEmotions
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of having a deliberative body 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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