Respectfully Quoted: A Dictionary of Quotations. 1989.
| NUMBER: | 523 |
| AUTHOR: | James Madison (1751–1836) |
| QUOTATION: | Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people, by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations. |
| ATTRIBUTION: | This general defense of the Constitution was presented by Madison in response to Patrick Henry’s lengthy attack on the Constitution the preceding day. |
| SUBJECTS: | Enemies from within |