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 accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, selfappointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Concentrating all governmental powers in one group leads to tyranny.
James Madison's quote emphasizes the danger of consolidating legislative, executive, and judicial powers into a single entity, regardless of how that power is obtained. This concentration creates a threat to freedom and democracy, as it can lead to oppressive rule, making it essential to separate these powers to prevent tyranny.
Themes
TyrannyPowerGovernmentFreedomDemocracy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about government powers, one might quote Madison to highlight the importance of separation of powers.
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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