Quotation by

James Madison

In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men you must first enable the government to control the governed and in the next place oblige it to control itself.

James Madison

Government

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

When creating a government, it is essential to give it enough power to enforce laws and maintain order among the people. At the same time, the government must have limits and checks to prevent those in power from abusing their authority.

More by this author

All quotes by James Madison →

More quotes about Government

See all →

A wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take …

The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.

I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country.

Government is not reason it is not eloquent it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.

Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil in its worst state, an intolerable one.

No man is good enough to govern another man without the other's consent.