Verified quotes
James Madison quotes, verified
James Madison is often called the Father of the Constitution, and he served as the fourth President of the United States. He wrote many of the Federalist essays that argued for the Constitution in 1787 and 1788. We have seven verified Madison quotes so far, and each one is checked against the original document.
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7 verified James Madison quotes
“Hearken not to the unnatural voice which tells you that the people of America, knit together as they are by so many cords of affection, can no longer live together as members of the same family.”
The Federalist No. 14, New York Packet, 30 November 1787
From The Federalist No. 14, written by Madison under the name Publius and published in the New York Packet on 30 November 1787.
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”
The Federalist No. 51, 6 February 1788
From The Federalist No. 51, published under the name Publius in New York in February 1788 during the debate over ratifying the Constitution.
“Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.”
The Federalist No. 51, 6 February 1788
From The Federalist No. 51, published under the name Publius in New York in February 1788 during the debate over ratifying the Constitution.
“Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society. It ever has been, and ever will be pursued, until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit.”
The Federalist No. 51, Independent Journal (New York), 6 February 1788
From The Federalist No. 51, published under the name Publius in New York in February 1788 during the debate over ratifying the Constitution.
“Conscience is the most sacred of all property; other property depending in part on positive law, the exercise of that, being a natural and unalienable right.”
"Property," written for the National Gazette, 27 Mar 1792
From Madison's essay “Property,” dated 27 March 1792 and written for the National Gazette in Philadelphia.
“Knowlege will for ever govern ignorance: and a people who mean to be their own Governours, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”
Letter to William T. Barry, 4 Aug 1822
From Madison's letter to William T. Barry dated 4 August 1822, on education and what popular government requires.
“The advice nearest to my heart and deepest in my convictions is that the Union of the States be cherished & perpetuated.”
Advice to My Country, 1830 to 1836
From a short note Madison left to be made public after his death, written at Montpelier, Virginia, in his final years.
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