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 primary function of government is to protect the minority of the opulent from the majority of the poor.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the idea that government primarily serves to safeguard the interests of the wealthy against the impoverished majority.
James Madison's quote underscores a critical perspective on the role of government in society. It suggests that the structure of political power is often skewed to protect the privileges of the upper class, implying that, rather than serving the public universally, governance may instead prioritize the security and interests of the affluent minority against the potential unrest or demands of the economically disadvantaged majority. This raises questions about equity, justice, and the true purpose of governmental authority.
Themes
GovernmentMinorityMajorityOpulenceProtectionPowerClassJustice
In practice
Example use cases
In a political debate about economic inequality, this quote can be used to highlight the imbalance in political representation.
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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