We may define a republic to be, or at least may bestow that name on, a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people, and is administered by persons holding their offices during pleasure, for a limited period, or during good behavior.

James Madison

Federalist 39

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Read Federalist No. 39 at the Library of Congress website

More information about this quote

Topic

Democratic theory Democracy Politics

Author

James Madison

Source

Federalist 39 The Federalist Papers

Medium

Essay

Genre

Political literature

Language

English

Time

1788 1780s 18th century

Era

American Revolutionary Period

Occupation

Founding Father American President National leader Politician

From

United States

Authentication Score 2

Original Citation

Madison, James [published as Publius]. "Federalist No. 39: The Conformity of the Plan to Republican Principles." Independent Journal, 16 Jan. 1788.

Current Citation

Madison, James. "No. 39: Constitution is strictly republican; is both federal and national.--Madison." The Federalist: A Commentary on the Constitution of the United States, edited by Robert Scigliano. The Modern Library, 2001.

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A quote by James Madison about democratic theory: “We may define a republic to be, or at least may bestow that name…”
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A quote by James Madison about democratic theory: “We may define a republic to be, or at least may bestow that name…”
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A quote by James Madison about democratic theory: “We may define a republic to be, or at least may bestow that name…”
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Related Quotes

Below are one or more quotes that share at least one tag with the quote at the top of the page

Another quote by James Madison

It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

James Madison

Federalist 51

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Read Federalist No. 51 at the Library of Congress website
More information about this quote
Topic
Political theory Politics Government Human nature

Author

James Madison
Source
Federalist 51 The Federalist Papers
Medium
Essay
Genre
Political literature
Language
English
Time
1788 1780s 18th century
Era
American Revolutionary Period
Authentication Score 2
Original Citation

Madison, James [published as Publius]. "Federalist No. 51, The Structure of the Government Must Furnish the Proper Checks and Balances Between the Different Departments." New York Packet, 8 Feb. 1788.

Current Citation

Madison, James. "No. 51: How to maintain: make the parts check each other. Also, a federal system divides power further.--Madison (or Hamilton)." The Federalist: A Commentary on the Constitution of the United States, edited by Robert Scigliano. The Modern Library, 2001.

Another quote from the 1780s

These are times in which a genius would wish to live. It is not in the still calm of life, or the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed.... Great necessities call out great virtues.

Abigail Adams

Letter to John Adams, 1780

Read this letter at the National Archives website
More information about this quote
Topic
Interesting times Benefits of adversity

Author

Abigail Adams
Source
Letter to John Adams, 1780 Letters of Abigail Adams
Medium
Letter
Language
English
Time
1780 1780s 18th century
Authentication Score 3
Original Citation

Adams, Abigail. Letter to John Quincy Adams. 12 Jan. 1780.

Current Citation

Adams, Abigail. Quoted in John Adams, written by David McCullough. Simon and Schuster, 2001.

Another quote about Democracy

Parties must ever exist in a free country.

On Conciliation with America

More information about this quote
Topic
Political parties Partisan politics Politics Democracy
Speaker
Edmund Burke
Source
On Conciliation with America
Medium
Speech
Genre
Political speech
Language
English
Time
1775 1770s 18th century
Era
American Revolutionary Period
Authentication Score 2
Original Citation

Burke, Edmund. "Speech on Conciliation with America." House of Commons. 22 Mar. 1775, Palace of Westminster, Westminster, London, England, UK.

Current Citation

Burke, Edmund. "Speech on Conciliation with the Colonies." The Portable Edmund Burke, edited by Isaac Kramnick. Penguin, 2009.