"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 impartially secures to every man whatever is his own."
by:
James Madison
(1751-1836), Father of the Constitution for the USA, 4th US President
Source:
Essay on Property, March 29, 1792
Rating:
Categories:
 
Bookmark and Share  
Reader comments about this quote:
The proper function of government, far removed from what it is today. However, since no government has ever done this and probably never will, when will we finally realize the folly of wanting a government and wanting to be governed? Doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. The sane thing to do, would be to throw off the chains of government altogether.
 -- Howard, Bangkok     
  • 2
  •  
    Originally, there was no word in English that describe individual sovereigns united in hiring servants in a body politic to administer natural law order inclusive of inalienable rights and execute justice. The term "government" was used because of its familiarity. Government is to govern over inferiors. There is no privately owned land (perfected allodium) where the occupying statist theocracy infesting this land violently enforces its prowess. Title is an artful legality describing special privilege, not ownership. The founding of this nation's original jurisprudence would make the statement correct (worthy of 5 stars).
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
  • 2
  •  
    Man`s subjectivity to government without himself is ascribable to his failure to be faithful to government within himself.

    The essential attributes of the Sovereign Individual inhere in him or her, being imparted by the Ultimate Sovereign.
     -- Patrick Henry, Red Hill     
  • 1
  •  
    Classic! This is the primary reason for day-to-day 'governance' -- protection of private property from THEFT, including theft by government fiat. The usurpation has gone so far, we are now merely passing one leaky vase to another in hopes we might get but a drop or two. The Earth is so bountiful and the labors of man so productive, wealth and property are a natural by-product. It is the insatiable desire for more and more power that impoverishes and oppresses. Seems to be a recurring theme in human civilizations' rise and fall...
     -- E Archer, NYC     
  • 1
  •  
     -- jim k, Austin      
     
    Rate this quote!
    How many stars?
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

     
    What do YOU think?
    Your name:
    Your town:
        CLICK JUST ONCE!

    More Quotations
    Get a Quote-A-Day! Free!
    Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box.
    RSS Subscribe
    Quotes & Quotations - Send This Quote to a Friend

    © 1998-2024 Liberty-Tree.ca