We Still Hold These Truths

Foreword By William J. Bennett

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James Madison - The true question to be decided

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James Madison The Federalist Papers Federalist No. 55

Categories: Representation, Tyranny, Virtue

Date: February 12, 1788

The true question to be decided then is whether the smallness of the number [of representatives], as a temporary regulation, be dangerous to the public liberty . . . . I must own that I could not give a negative answer to this question, without first obliterating every impression which I have received with regard to the present genius of the people of America, which actuates the state legislatures, and the principles which are incorporated with the political character of every class of citizens. I am unable to conceive that the people of America in their present temper, or under any circumstances which can speedily happen, will chuse, and every second year repeat the choice of sixty-five or a hundred men, who would be disposed to form and pursue a scheme of tyranny or treachery.

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