#620 Arlington, VA 22201, New! The views of the Founders on the subject of democracy are complicated and difficult to articulate in sound bites. -- James Madison, Federalist Papers 62 I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which grant[s] a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents. Here are quotes by one of America's greatest founding fathers, George Washington, and related quotations about America's founding. A term used in Classical and Hellenistic Greece for oppressive popular rule was ochlocracy ("mob rule"); tyranny meant rule by one man—whether undesirable or not.. Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains. At best, the government was seen as a necessary evil to allow for the continued functioning of a peaceful society. Click for free lesson on Benjamin Franklin, “Liberty must at all hazards be supported. The Founding Fathers of America were various statesmen, politicians, intellects, and authors. Without law, liberty also loses its … To contend for our own liberty, and to deny that blessing to others, involves an inconsistency not to be excused.” – John Jay, Letter to R. Lushington, 1786, “One of the most essential branches of English liberty is the freedom of one’s house. James Bovard The vision that the founding fathers had of rule of law and equality before the law and no one above the law, that is a very viable vision, but instead of that, we have quasi mob rule. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker.
You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Founding Father Samuel Adams observed that the rule of law means that “There shall be one rule of Justice for the rich and the poor; for the favorite in Court, and the Countryman at the Plough.” By requiring both the government and the people to adhere to the law, the rule of law serves as the foundational First Principle for protecting our liberty. An equal dispensation of protection, rights, privileges, and advantages, is what every part is entitled to, and ought to enjoy.” – Benjamin Franklin, Emblematical Representations, ca. Founding Fathers Quotes. This representative democracy as far as is consistent with its genius has all the features of good government.”, “It always has been, and will continue to be, my earnest desire to learn and to comply, as far as is consistent, with the public sentiment; but it is on great occasions only, and after time has been given for cool and deliberate reflection, that the real voice of the people can be known.”, “Democratical States must always feel before they can see: it is this that makes their Governments slow – but the people will be right at last.”, “I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education.”, “The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”, “The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind.”, “A wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. Votes: 2. To that end, the Constitution is filled with a number of measures that prevent the majoritarian rule of simple democracy. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Founding Fathers Quotes on Excessive, Cruel or Unusual Punishment in the Eighth Amendment. “Most gun control arguments miss the point. For further inspiration and insight, please read some of the best quotes from our Founding Fathers on liberty, freedom, morality, patriotism, our republic, democracy, Constitutional law, and American Exceptionalism: “You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. On the other hand, they all feared the power of King Mob and the tyranny of the majority over a minority. Quotes from our Founding Father. The deeper risk, he wrote that early June, was that the political chaos created fertile ground for exploitation “by some aspiring demagogue who will not consult the interest of his Country so much as his own ambitious views.” Our only requirement is that you give Ammo.com appropriate credit by linking to the original article. The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive. Without law, liberty also loses its nature and its name, and becomes licentiousness.” – James Wilson, Of the Study of the Law in the United States, 1790, “In Europe, charters of liberty have been granted by power. For more history, see Founding Fathers. The vision that the founding fathers had of rule of law and equality before the law and no one above the law, that is a very viable vision, but instead of that, we have quasi mob rule. If all control boils fundamentally to force, how can one … James Madison died at Montpelier, his Virginia estate, in 1836, one of the few Founding Fathers to survive into the democratic age of Andrew Jackson. The ancient democracies, in which the people themselves deliberated, never possessed one feature of good government. The following discussion of the significance of the U.S. Constitution comes from Liberty, Order, and Justice: An Introduction to the Constitutional Principles of American Government (3rd ed.) Because the passions of men will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice without constraint.”, “Law is whatever is boldly asserted and plausibly maintained.”, “Where carcasses are, eagles will gather, And where good laws are, much people flock thither.”, “A strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the high duties of a good citizen, but it is not the highest. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite.” – James Madison, Federalist 45, 1788, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” – Tenth Amendment, 1791, “I consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground that ‘all powers not delegated to the United States, by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people.’ To take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specially drawn around the powers of Congress, is to take possession of a boundless field of power, not longer susceptible of any definition.” – Thomas Jefferson, Opinion on the Constitutionality of a National Bank, 1791, “[T]he general government is not to be charged with the whole power of making and administering laws: its jurisdiction is limited to certain enumerated objects, which concern all the members of the republic, but which are not to be attained by the separate provisions of any.” – James Madison, Federalist 14, 1787, “It will not be denied that power is of an encroaching nature and that it ought to be effectually restrained from passing the limits assigned to it.” – James Madison, Federalist 48, 1788, “I own I am not a friend to a very energetic government. Explore 294 Rule Of Law Quotes by authors including Jonathan Sacks, Tony Blair, and P. J. O'Rourke at BrainyQuote. Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Happiness Digital Textbook. Their very character was tyranny; their figure deformity.”, “When annual elections end, there slavery begins.”, “Great confusion about the words democracy, aristocracy, monarchy...Democracy in my sense, where the whole power of the government in the people, whether exercised by themselves or by representatives, chosen by them either mediately or immediately and legally accountable to them...Consequence, the proposed government a representative democracy...Constitution revocable and alterable by the people. May 18, 2016 - Lovers of liberty and of God. Wear none of thine own chains; but keep free, whilst thou art free. At the Second Continental Congress, brave and dedicated Colonists, who had defied a tyrant king and his rule of law, came together and signed the Declaration of Independence, mutually pledging “to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our scared Honor.” Share. The American Revolution, sparked by unjust taxation and a suffocating British Parliament, was intensified through the teachings and influence of such men. A man’s house is his castle.” – James Otis, on the Writs of Assistance, 1761, “The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence.” – John Adams, A Defence of the Constitutions of the Government of the United States of America, 1787, “Government is instituted to protect property of every sort; as well that which lies in the various rights of individuals, as that which the term particularly expresses. Term. The laws of necessity, of self preservation, of saving our country when in danger, are of a higher obligation...To lose our country by a scrupulous adherence to written law would be to lose the law itself, with life, liberty, property and all those who are enjoying them with us; thus absurdly sacrificing the ends to the means.”, “Any government is free to the people under it where the laws rule and the people are a party to the laws.”, Founding Fathers Quotes on Government, Democracy, and Placing Power in the People, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, Founding Fathers Quotes: Our Favorite Quotes from America's Courageous Revolutionaries, Founding Fathers Quotes on Religious Freedom and the Separation Between Church & State, Founding Fathers Quotes on Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Press in the First Amendment, Founding Fathers Quotes on Guns and the Second Amendment's Right to Keep & Bear Arms, Founding Fathers Quotes on Standing Armies and Quartering Troops in the Third Amendment, Founding Fathers Quotes on Privacy, Search, and Seizures in the Fourth Amendment, Founding Fathers Quotes on Due Process and Eminent Domain in the Fifth Amendment, Founding Fathers Quotes on Criminal Justice and the Right to Counsel in the Sixth Amendment, Founding Fathers Quotes on Civil Lawsuits and Common Law in the Seventh Amendment, Founding Fathers Quotes on Excessive, Cruel or Unusual Punishment in the Eighth Amendment, Founding Fathers Quotes on the Dangers of Centralized Power in the Ninth and Tenth Amendments, Founding Fathers Quotes on the Importance of Physical Health and Exercise, Founding Fathers Quotes on How Central Banking is Destructive to America's Economic System, Founding Fathers Quotes on the Importance of Wisdom and Education in a Free Society, Founding Fathers Quotes on the Limited Executive Powers of the United States Presidency, Founding Fathers Quotes on Why America's Revolutionaries Fought For Liberty and Freedom, Founding Fathers Quotes on Justice For All and Equal Treatment Under the Law, Founding Fathers Quotes on Hope for Peace, Hesitation for War & Restrictions for Military, Founding Fathers Quotes on Family, Friends, and Seeking Wisdom Through Relationships, Founding Fathers Quotes on Politics, Patriotism, and the Importance of Putting America First, Founding Fathers Quotes on the American Revolution and the Fighting Spirit for Independence, Founding Fathers Quotes on the Founding of the Nation and the United States Constitution. However, Franklin’s role in our founding has been eclipsed in modern memory by his many other accomplishments. Share with: Link: Copy link. It is always oppressive.” – Thomas Jefferson, Letter to James Madison, 1787, “The propriety of a law, in a constitutional light, must always be determined by the nature of the powers upon which it is founded.” – Alexander Hamilton, Federalist 33, 1788, “An elective despotism was not the government we fought for; but one in which the powers of government should be so divided and balanced among the several bodies of magistracy as that no one could transcend their legal limits without being effectually checked and restrained by the others.” – James Madison, Federalist 84, 1788, “The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” – James Madison, Federalist 47, 1788, “A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions.” – James Madison, Federalist 51, 1788, “The principle of the Constitution is that of a separation of Legislative, Executive and Judiciary functions, except in cases specified. While the specific phrase "tyranny of the majority" is frequently attributed to various Founding Fathers, only John Adams is known to have used it, arguing against government by a single unicameral elected body. Historical information about the deep faith of America’s Founding Fathers including Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Noah Webster, Abraham Lincoln, James Madison and More . If you have an iPhone, you might be interested in this slick Founding Fathers Quotes app. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty.”, “The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive. James Bovard Quotes The vision that the founding fathers had of rule of law and equality before the law and no one above the law, that is a very viable vision, but instead of that, we have quasi mob rule. Sources checked: Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Digital Edition; Thomas Jefferson retirement papers; Thomas Jefferson: Papers and Biographies collections in Hathi Trust Digital Library See more ideas about founding fathers, words, founding fathers quotes. Law is defined to be a rule of action; but how can that be a rule, which is little known, and less fixed? “They criticize me for harping on the obvious; if all the folks in the United States would do the few … The Founding Fathers, High Crimes and Misdemeanors, and Impeachment. We have no government armed with power capable of … Here are quotes by America's founding fathers, quotations about the American Revolution, and assorted remarks related to America's founding. If men were angels, no government would be necessary. The point is, if you have a strong rule of law, you’ll have a booming economy and a safe country where the quality of life is high. Individual Liberty. In a large society, inhabiting an extensive country, it is impossible that the whole should assemble to make laws. Friday, January 17, 2020. Spread the word; knowledge is power! Founding Fathers Quotes on Civil Lawsuits and Common Law in the Seventh Amendment. This revolution in the practice of the world, may, with an honest praise, be pronounced the most triumphant epoch of its history, and the most consoling presage of its happiness.” – James Madison, Essays for the National Gazette, 1792, “The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Laws were seen as more important than men. (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2000), Part 4. The rule of law results in meritocracy, safety and progress, or, to quote the founding father of Singapore, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, “from Third World to First.” Admittedly, the rule of law in the Philippines is weak. The government was never seen by the Founders as a provider of anything but a very generalized common security. Miguel A. Faria, Jr., MD . But this was only half the danger. You're free to republish or share any of our articles (either in part or in full), which are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. On the one hand, the Founders championed seating power in the people of the nation rather than an aristocracy or a monarch. This being the end of government, that alone is a just government which impartially secures to every man whatever is his own.” – James Madison, Essay on Property, 1792, “A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned — this is the sum of good government.” – Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, 1801, https://billofrightsinstitute.org/founding-documents/founders-quotes/, 1310 North Courthouse Rd. He is obliged, consequently, to contribute his share to the expense of this protection; and to give his personal service, or an equivalent, when necessary. The Founding Fathers knew their history well, so they knew better than to establish the U.S. as a democracy. 1774, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” – Declaration of Independence, 1776, “I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a plan adopted for the abolition of slavery.” – George Washington, Letter to Robert Morris, 1786, “It is much to be wished that slavery may be abolished. Freedom and not servitude is the cure of anarchy; as religion, and not atheism, is the true remedy for superstition. But if we had not, our fathers have earned and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood.” – John Adams, 1765, “Without liberty, law loses its nature and its name, and becomes oppression. Editor's Corner. It is only when our democratically elected officials are bound by the same … The honour of the States, as well as justice and humanity, in my opinion, loudly call upon them to emancipate these unhappy people. When our Founding Fathers met during the deliberations of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia (May-Sept. 1787), they established the impeachment process as the constitutional remedy for those public servants who would potentially violate the public trust. Founding Fathers Quotes on Criminal Justice and the Right to Counsel in the Sixth Amendment. Experience has proved, that no position in politics is more false than this. 630 posts Page 60 of 63. I hope you will make a good use of it.” Variations: None known. The people cannot delegate to government the power to do anything which would be unlawful for them to do themselves. "True freedom requires the rule of law and justice, and a judicial system in which the rights of some are not secured by the denial of rights to oth..." In a democracy, of course, the majority rules. America has set the example … of charters of power granted by liberty. The natural liberty of man is to be free from any superior power on earth, and not to be under the will or legislative authority of man, but to … Some Gun/2nd Amend. Our unalterable resolution should be to be free. They were renaissance men of sorts, responsible for a multitude of societal contributions. But if we had not, our fathers have earned and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood.” – John Adams, 1765 “Without liberty, law loses its nature and its name, and becomes oppression. The vision that the founding fathers had of rule of law and equality before the law and no one above the law, that is a very viable vision, but instead of that, we have quasi mob rule. “It has been observed by an honorable gentleman, that a pure democracy, if it were practicable, would be the most perfect government. Founding Father Quote # 66 Each individual of the society has a right to be protected by it in the enjoyment of his life, liberty, and property, according to standing laws. “[A]narchy and Confusion” were threatening the security of the American people and the rule of constitutional law. James Bovard | top; 6 The rule of law should be upheld by all political parties. This is what the American founding fathers understood better then those living today. 17 Benjamin Franklin Quotes on Tyranny, Liberty, and Rights. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.”, “Why has government been instituted at all? For more history, see Founding Fathers . Last published in 2012, we are bringing back this article on the faith of America’s founding fathers. Quotation: "If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so." It will often be exercised when wrong, but better so than not to be exercised at all.”, “The very idea of the power and the right of the People to establish Government presupposes the duty of every Individual to obey the established Government.”, “Government is the strongest of which every man feels himself a part.”, “Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”, “As the happiness of the people is the sole end of government, so the consent of the people is the only foundation of it, in reason, morality, and the natural fitness of things.”, “Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.”, “What is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If this principle be not expressed in direct terms, it is clearly the spirit of the Constitution …” – Thomas Jefferson, letter to James Madison, 1797, “As good government is an empire of laws, how shall your laws be made? Those who sought power through the government, rather than seeking to serve their countrymen, were implicitly distrusted. The first necessary step, then, is to depute power from the many to a few of the most wise and good.” – John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776, “Pure democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security, or the rights of property; and have, in general, been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths.” – James Madison, Federalist 10, 1787, “I have no fear that the result of our experiment will be that men may be trusted to govern themselves without a master.” – Thomas Jefferson, Letter to David Hartley, 1787, “We may define a republic to be … 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, 1788, “The ordaining of laws in favor of one part of the nation, to the prejudice and oppression of another, is certainly the most erroneous and mistaken policy. This is the sum of good government.”, “Happy it is when the interest which the government has in the preservation of its own power, coincides with a proper distribution of the public burdens, and tends to guard the least wealthy part of the community from oppression!”, “The execution of the laws is more important than the making of them.”, “Among the latter, under pretence of governing they have divided their nations into two classes, wolves and sheep.”, “There is danger from all men. More than even democracy, it is the Rule of Law that defines freedom (we often overlook Hitler was democratically elected; even today we have dictators like Hugo Chavez and Mugabe who sport democratic credentials). James Bovard Benjamin Franklin was dubbed “The First American” for a reason. More false than this government was seen as a provider of anything rule of law quotes: founding fathers a generalized! 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