The Federalist Papers (AmazonClassics Edition)

It is in vain to say that enlightened statesmen will be able to adjust these clashing interests, and render them all subservient to the public good. Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm.

It is too true, however disgraceful it may be to human nature, that nations in general will make war whenever they have a prospect of getting anything

The two great points of difference between a democracy and a republic are: first, the delegation of the government, in the latter, to a small number

popularity at the expense of the public good.

be to forget that men are ambitious, vindictive, and rapacious.

by it; nay, absolute monarchs will often make war when their nations are to get nothing by it, but for the purposes and objects merely personal, such as thirst for military glory, revenge for personal affronts, ambition, or private compacts to aggrandize or support their particular families or partisans.

of citizens elected by the rest; secondly, the greater number of citizens, and greater sphere of country, over which the latter may be extended.

A democracy, consequently, will be confined to a small spot. A republic may be extended over a large region.

To be more safe, they at length become willing to run the risk of being less free.