The quotations of

James Madison

President of the United States from 1809 to 1817

1751–1836

31 quotes, most often on Government, Politics and War & Peace. Part of the U.S. Presidents and Founding Fathers collections.

The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.
- Politics
By a faction, I understand a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adversed to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community.
Federalist No. 10 (November 22, 1787)In context
- Politics
Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly expires. But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency.
Federalist No. 10 (November 22, 1787)In context
- Liberty
- Politics
The latent causes of faction are thus sown in the nature of man; and we see them everywhere brought into different degrees of activity, according to the different circumstances of civil society.
Federalist No. 10 (November 22, 1787)In context
- Politics
Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm.
Federalist No. 10 (November 22, 1787)In context
- Leadership
- Politics

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