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
[I]t is the reason alone, of the public, that ought to control and regulate the government.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The public's reasoning should guide government actions and policies.
James Madison emphasizes the importance of the public's reasoning in shaping governmental authority and decisions. He suggests that a government should be accountable to the citizens, who ultimately provide the rationale for its existence and operations, creating a democratic foundation where the will of the people prevails over tyranny or autocracy.
Themes
PublicGovernmentControlReasonRegulation
In practice
Example use cases
A politician might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of citizen engagement in policymaking.
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
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