James Madison

"Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."

"The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty."

"If men were angels, no government would be necessary."

"The rights of persons and the rights of property have never been found incompatible."

"An efficient militia is authorized and contemplated by the Constitution."

"Popular sovereignty and federalism are the two pillars of American democracy."

"Religious freedom is the foundation of all other freedoms."

"A well-informed public is the best defense against tyranny."

"The essence of government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse."

"Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm."

"War is in fact the true nurse of executive aggrandizement."

"The Constitution was established to secure the blessing of liberty."

"Public opinion sets bounds to every government."

"Experience is the oracle of truth."

"Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things."

"The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money."

"A standing military force is dangerous to free government and ought not be permitted in time of peace."

"Liberty and learning are not antagonistic."

"The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty depends on the preservation of virtue."

"Philosophers are the salt of the earth."

"Commerce is the great civilizer."

"The future stability of our government depends upon the patriotism of the people."

"Tyranny can only exist where truth perishes."

"The accumulation of all powers in the same hands is the definition of tyranny."

"As long as the reason of man continues fallible and he is at liberty to exercise it, different opinions will be formed."

"The powers delegated to the federal government are few and defined."

"Of all the enemies to public liberty war is perhaps the most to be dreaded."

"A free people ought not only to be armed but disciplined."

"The great improvement in our time has been in practical mechanics."

"Conscience is the most sacred of all property."