It may be a reflection on human nature that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern, 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.

Summary

This quote by James Madison highlights the need for checks and balances in government due to the imperfect nature of human beings. Madison suggests that if people were perfectly moral and angelic, there would be no need for government or any form of regulation. However, since humans are not perfect, it is necessary to establish a government that both has the power to control its citizens when needed and is also bound by mechanisms that prevent its own abuse of power. This quote emphasizes the delicate balance between giving government authority and ensuring that it remains accountable and self-regulated.

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