11 quotes
The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted.
The Debates in the Federal Convention (1787)
In all cases where a majority are united by a common interest or passion, the rights of the minority are in danger.
The Debates in the Federal Convention (1787)
Mr. MADISON considered the popular election of one branch of the National Legislature as essential to every plan of free Government.
The Debates in the Federal Convention (1787)
Twenty years will produce all the mischief that can be apprehended from the liberty to import slaves. So long a term will be more dishonorable to the National character than to say nothing about it in the Constitution.
The Debates in the Federal Convention (1787)
To reconcile the gentleman with himself, it must be imagined that he determined the human character by the points of the compass. The truth was, that all men having power ought to be distrusted, to a certain degree.
The Debates in the Federal Convention (1787)
It must not be so; because we intend this Constitution to be the great charter of Human Liberty to the unborn millions who shall enjoy its protection, and who should never see that such an institution as slavery was ever known in our midst.
The Debates in the Federal Convention (1787)
Mr. MADISON thought it wrong to admit in the Constitution the idea that there could be property in men. The reason of duties did not hold, as slaves are not like merchandize, consumed, &c
The Debates in the Federal Convention (1787)
Respect for character is always diminished in proportion to the number among whom the blame or praise is to be divided. Conscience, the only remaining tie, is known to be inadequate in individuals: In large numbers, little is to be expected from it.
The Debates in the Federal Convention (1787)
Mr. MADISON observed that whatever reason might have existed for the equality of suffrage when the Union was a federal one among sovereign States, it must cease when a national Govermt. should be put into the place.
The Debates in the Federal Convention (1787)
It was incumbent on us then to try this remedy, and with that view to frame a republican system on such a scale & in such a form as will controul all the evils wch. have been experienced.
The Debates in the Federal Convention (1787)
Mr. Madison was not a little surprised to hear this implicit confidence urged by a member who, on all occasions, had inculcated so strongly the political depravity of men, and the necessity of checking one vice and interest by opposing to them another vice and interest.
The Debates in the Federal Convention (1787)