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
War is in fact the true nurse of executive aggrandizement
Interpretation
What this quote means
War often leads to the expansion of governmental power and authority.
James Madison suggests that war acts as a catalyst for the growth of executive power, implying that in times of conflict, leaders may take actions that increase their control and influence over society. This perspective highlights the tension between national security and individual freedoms, as the necessity of war can lead to a different balance of power within a government.
Themes
WarGovernmentPowerExecutiveAuthority
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate on civil liberties, one could invoke this quote to argue against excessive governmental power in times of war.
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.
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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.
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