James Madison

"The man who is possessed of but little reading is apt to be very opinionated."

"Learned institutions ought to be favorite objects with every free people."

"The rights of conscience we never submitted, we could not submit."

"In no instance have the citizens of any one nation to do with the religious opinions of those of another."

"The success of our political system depends upon the intelligence and virtue of the American people."

"A well instructed people alone can be permanently a free people."

"The cultivation and improvement of the human mind is among the most noble objects."

"Public and private faith and honor have maxims to guide them."

"The power of the purse is the constitutional prerogative of the House."

"Truth and reason are capable of supporting themselves when tolerated to combat."

"The policy of the old world was to plunder and oppress; that of the new is to cherish and protect."

"Philosophy is common sense in a dress suit."

"The advice nearest to my heart and the deepest conviction of my mind is that the Union of the states be cherished and perpetuated."

"Freedom arises from a multiplicity of sects, which pervades America."

"The great object of my life has been to preserve the American union."

"It is my sincere conviction that the happiness of the people is the object of government."

"The aim of every political constitution is to establish a system of control."

"A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it is a prologue to a farce or tragedy."

"The foundation of our national policy shall be laid in the principles of private morality and virtue."

"The powers of the general government will be increased and those of the state diminished."

"Integrity and talent are the only requisites for preferment."

"The happiness which the Constitution promises is that of secure liberty."

"A confederation is a league of friendship among the states."

"The rights retained by the people are the principal and the powers granted to the government are secondary."

"I go on the principle that a public debt is a public curse."

"The civil rights of none shall be abridged on account of religious belief."

"Americans should cultivate a strong sense of civic virtue and public duty."

"The most distinguished characteristics of the American spirit are the love of freedom and the respect for learning."

"Where an excess of power prevails, property of no sort is secure."

"The genius of Republican government is to be found in the sovereignty of the people."