James Madison

"When the whole people is the sovereign, there can be but one interest, the general good."

"Wisdom is the parent of piety."

"The public debt of one generation becomes a burthen on the next."

"The security of the public liberty depends entirely on good faith in the execution of the present Constitution."

"Each generation should bear its own burdens and not mortgage the future."

"No government is perfect but the republican form is the best adapted to the genius of the American people."

"The future and success of America is not in this Constitution but in the principles upon which it is founded."

"Prudence requires not the faith of man but the wisdom of institutions."

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

"The opinions of men are not the objects of civil government nor under its jurisdiction."

"A sincere and steadfast friend adds a luster to our lives."

"Industry and frugality are the foundation of prosperity."

"The most valuable improvements are not always the most beautiful."

"Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful."

"Fortitude is the moral virtue that teaches us to meet dangers and difficulties with resolution."

"The advancement of the arts and sciences depends on public patronage and encouragement."

"True patriotism consists in supporting the Constitution even when it displeases us."

"The greatest threats to liberty are those who come in the guise of patriotism."

"Experience has shown that in the early stages of the formation of a government all those who have not established rights are sure to be forgotten."

"The mind that is best improved is the one that is most enlightened by learning."

"Nations are not durable unless they rest on the affections of their people."

"A nation that expects to be ignorant and free expects what never was and never will be."

"The true foundation of theology is to ascertain the character of the Deity."

"It is a principle that the will of the majority should prevail."

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

"The remaining powers retain by the People are numerous and indefinite."

"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 difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed."

"Let me not pass through this world unaware of its beauty and wonder."

"The minds of men are naturally averse to innovations."