Attempts to enforce by legal sanctions, acts obnoxious to so great a proportion of Citizens, tend to enervate the laws in general, and to slacken the bands of Society. If it be difficult to execute any law which is not generally deemed necessary or salutary, what must be the case, where it is deemed invalid and dangerous? And what may be the effect of so striking an example of impotency in the Government, on its general authority?
James MadisonPeople will continue to seek justice until it is found, or until liberty is lost in the pursuit.
James MadisonAmong the features peculiar to the political system of the United States, is the perfect equality of rights which it secures to every religious sect.
James MadisonThe ultimate authority resides in the people, and that if the federal government got too powerful and overstepped its authority, then the people would develop plans of resistance and resort to arms.
James Madison