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" If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men,
neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a
government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in
this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next
place oblige it to control itself. 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


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James Madison quote : If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, <br />neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a <br />government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in <br />this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next <br />place oblige it to control itself. A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the <br />primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of <br />auxiliary precautions.