Quotation
Quote by James Madison
A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both.
Explore the idea
Understanding this quote
A government that depends on popular support cannot remain sound if people lack reliable information or ways to obtain it. Without public understanding, government risks becoming either a farce, marked by empty or foolish performance, or a tragedy with serious consequences. The quote stresses that informed citizens are essential to meaningful popular government.
Source & trust
About this quotation
- Source
- Library of Congress, James Madison to W. T. Barry, August 4, 1822
- Format
- Official Statement
Explore the idea
Topics

When the Curtains Learned to Glow
Lina and Oren find an abandoned puppet stage beneath their apartment and race to restore it before the courtyard festival. When their beautiful scenery buckles and their late-night show excludes neighbors, they discover that the best theater is built for many kinds of attention.
Read Story