Tag Archives: James Madison

First Principles: A Popular Government, Without Popular Information, Or the Means of Acquiring It, Is But A Prologue to A Farce Or A Tragedy; Or, Perhaps Both

Posted on December 20, 2021 by alohapromisesforever

“A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, … Continue reading →

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First Principles: Passion Never Fails to Wrest the Scepter From Reason

Posted on December 5, 2021 by alohapromisesforever

“In all very numerous assemblies, of whatever character composed, passion never fails to wrest the sceptre from reason.” – James Madison (1788)

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First Principles: Government Is Instituted To Protect Property of Every Sort

Posted on November 22, 2021 by alohapromisesforever

“Government is instituted to protect property of every sort; as well that which lies in the various rights of individuals, as that which the term particularly expresses. This being the end of government, that alone is a just government which … Continue reading →

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First Principles: Knowledge Will Forever Govern Ignorance, and A People Who Mean To Be Their Own Governors, Must Arm Themselves With the Power Knowledge Gives

Posted on November 19, 2021 by alohapromisesforever

“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.” – James Madison

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First Principles: No Government, Any More Than An Individual, Will Long Be Respected Without Being Truly Respectable; Nor Be Truly Respectable, Without Possessing A Certain Portion of Order and Stability

Posted on November 11, 2021 by alohapromisesforever

“No government, any more than an individual, will long be respected without being truly respectable; nor be truly respectable, without possessing a certain portion of order and stability.” – Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, Federalist No. 62, 1788

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First Principles: Ambition Must Be Made To Counteract Ambition

Posted on November 9, 2021 by alohapromisesforever

“Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses … Continue reading →

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First Principles: 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

Posted on October 31, 2021 by alohapromisesforever

“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.” – James Madison (1788)

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First Principles: If Congress Can Do Whatever In Their Discretion Can Be Done By Money…the Government Is No Longer A Limited One

Posted on October 9, 2021 by alohapromisesforever

“If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money, and will promote the General Welfare, the Government is no longer a limited one, possessing enumerated powers, but an indefinite one, subject to particular exceptions.” – James … Continue reading →

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First Principles: If Men Were Angels, No Government Would Be Necessary

Posted on October 1, 2021 by alohapromisesforever

“If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great … Continue reading →

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First Principles: It Will Not Be Denied That Power Is of An Encroaching Nature and That It Ought To Be Effectually Restrained From Passing the Limits Assigned To It

Posted on September 15, 2021 by alohapromisesforever

“It will not be denied that power is of an encroaching nature and that it ought to be effectually restrained from passing the limits assigned to it.” – James Madison (1788)

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