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
Measures are too often decided, not according to the rules of justice and the rights of the minor party, but by the superior force of an interested and overbearing majority.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote criticizes how decisions are frequently made by the majority without regard for justice or the rights of minority groups.
James Madison highlights a common flaw in democratic decision-making where the majority's will can overpower the rights and needs of minority groups. He calls attention to the potential injustice that arises when measures are determined not by fairness but by the sheer power of those who dominate discussions and decisions, leading to a disregard for equity and justice.
Themes
JusticeMajorityMinorityRightsDecision-Making
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on policy reform, this quote can illustrate the importance of protecting minority rights.
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
Similar quotes
One man's 'magic' is another man's engineering. 'Supernatural' is a null word.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
When religion is good, it will take care of itself. When it is not able to take care of itself, and God does not see fit to take care of it, so that it has to appeal to the civil power for support, it is evidence to my mind that its cause is a bad one.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Do not waste your time on Social Questions. What is the matter with the poor is Poverty; what is the matter with the rich is Uselessness.
George Bernard ShawRead
Each of us is born with a share of purity, predestined to be corrupted by our commerce with mankind, by that sin against solitude.
Emile M. CioranRead
He that falls into sin is a man; that grieves at it, is a saint; that boasteth of it, is a devil.
Thomas FullerRead
In the face of the oppressed I recognize my own face, and in the hands of the oppressor I recognize my own hands. Their flesh is my flesh, their blood is my blood, their pain is my pain, their smile is my smile.
Henri NouwenRead