A pure democracy is a society consisting of a small number of citizens, who assemble and administer the government in person. – James Madison
In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority. – James Madison
What is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. – James Madison
To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea. – James Madison