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
Each State, in ratifying the Constitution, is considered as a sovereign body, independent of all others, and only to be bound by its own voluntary act. In this relation, then, the new Constitution will, if established, be a FEDERAL, and not a NATIONAL constitution.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the independence of each state in relation to the federal government under the Constitution.
James Madison articulates the idea that when states ratify the Constitution, they maintain their sovereignty, acting independently of one another. This perspective underscores the federal structure of government, wherein the Constitution serves as a voluntary agreement among the states rather than as an overarching national authority that encompasses them.
Themes
SovereigntyConstitutionFederalismStatesIndependence
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of state rights and independence in a federal system.
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.
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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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