James Madison Quotes & Sayings

“Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power.”

“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”

“Do not separate text from historical background. If you do, you will have perverted and subverted the Constitution, which can only end in a distorted, bastardized form of illegitimate government.”

“America was indebted to immigration for her settlement and prosperity. That part of America which had encouraged them most had advanced most rapidly in population, agriculture and the arts.”

“The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe with blood for centuries.”

“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”

“The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.”

“The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.”

“The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money.”

“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.”