An elective despotism was not the government we fought for; but one which should not only be founded on free principles, but in which the powers of government should be so divided and balanced among several bodies of magistracy, as that no one could transcend their legal limits, without being effectually checked and restrained by the others.

Authentication Score 2

Original Citation

Madison, James [published as Publius]. "Federalist No. 48: These Departments Should Not Be So Far Separated as to Have No Constitutional Control Over Each Other." New York Packet, 1 Feb. 1788.

Current Citation

Madison, James. "No. 48: Some blending of powers is necessary.--Madison." The Federalist: A Commentary on the Constitution of the United States, edited by Robert Scigliano. The Modern Library, 2001.