Quote by James Madison
The genius of Republican liberty, seems to demand on one side, not only that all power should be derived from the people; but, that those entrusted with it should be kept in dependence on the people, by a short duration of their appointments; and, that, even during this short period, the trust should be placed not in a few, but in a number of hands. Stability, on the contrary, requires, that the hands, in which power is lodged, should continue for a length of time, the same. A frequent change of men will result from a frequent return of electors, and a frequent change of measures, from a frequent change of men; whilst energy in Government requires not only a certain duration of power, but the execution of it by a single hand.
Summary
This quote highlights the tension between the principles of Republican liberty and the need for stability in government. Republican liberty promotes the idea that power should be derived from the people and entrusted to officials in short-term appointments, ensuring accountability and preventing concentration of power. On the other hand, stability necessitates continuity of power and a single individual executing authority effectively. The quote suggests that reconciling these two principles is a challenge, as a frequent change of individuals in power can result in a continuous change of policies, while a stable government often requires a longer duration of power in the same hands.
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