Quotation by

James Madison

What is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.

James Madison

Government

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

James Madison is saying that government exists because people are imperfect and need rules to manage their behavior. He also points out that if those in power were perfectly good and those being governed were perfectly good, there would be no need for laws or checks on authority.

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