James Madison Quote - Liberty Quotes Blog

"One hundred and seventy-three despots would surely be as oppressive as one."

by:	James Madison (1751-1836), Father of the Constitution for the USA, 4th US President
Source:	Federalist No. 48, February 1, 1788
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Categories:	Founder, Despotism, Congress, President
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Reader comments about this quote:

The philosophy of might makes right is a pyramid of despotic proportions, no matter how many control the trigger. -- Mike, Norwalk 1
-- Martin Foster, Lyttelton
-- Jim k
The mistake is treating Congress as an 'authority' with powers over the People. Nothing could be further from the truth. Congress has only the powers granted to them by the States which have only the powers granted to them by the state citizens. The entire foundation of American government is a mutual agreement of the People to hire from within our own ranks individuals to administer a government whose primary purpose is to PROTECT and DEFEND what we have declared to be our natural born and inalienable rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. The government has NO POWER to dictate to the People. If there is no signed agreement for the granting of power, then that power remains in the individual's hands -- as well as the responsibility that goes with it. -- E Archer, NYC 1
-- Ronw13, Yachats Or