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If men were angels, no government would be necessary.
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“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”

James Madison

Source
Federalist No. 51
Date
1788
Meaning

Meaning of “If men were angels, no government would be…”

Madison uses the hypothetical contrast with angels to explain why constitutional institutions need checks on both governed people and those who exercise governmental power.

Source context

Where does it come from?

The Federalist No. 51, February 1788. The line sits inside Madison’s argument for checks and balances and institutional controls; it is political theory about constitutional design rather than a factual measurement of human nature.

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Source details

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Source details

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Source details

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“The foundation of every government is some principle or passion in the minds of the people.”

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Meaning & context

Adams connects durable political institutions with the habits and motivations prevailing among the people who sustain them.

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Meaning & context

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Source details

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