What James Madison thinks about democracy

@james-madison · 14 positions

American statesman (1751 to 1836); fourth US President and co-author of The Federalist.

James Madison did not write this page.

We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.

Filter democracy · Newest first

Topic

All 14government 6democracy 2ambition 1

Sort

NewestOldest

Only James Madison on democracy. See everyone on democracy

2 dated positions, 1787, in their own words. Our reading of what James Madison has said — not written or endorsed by them.

2 positions so far — this page is not yet offered to search engines.

1. 30 Nov 1787

   Our readingA democracy is confined to a small area while a republic can extend over a large region

   Their wordsA democracy, consequently, will be confined to a small spot. A republic may be extended over a large region.

   ↗The Federalist Papers (1787-1788)gutenberg.org All 27 from this book

2. 8 days earlier

3. 22 Nov 1787

   Our readingA pure democracy can offer no cure for the harms of faction

   government

   Their wordsFrom this view of the subject it may be concluded that a pure democracy, by which I mean a society consisting of a small number of citizens, who assemble and administer the government in person, can admit of no cure for the mischiefs of faction.

   ↗The Federalist Papers (1787-1788)gutenberg.org All 27 from this book