"The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted"

This quote by James Madison speaks with the importance of holding those in power accountable. Madison is recommending that those with power ought to not be trusted blindly, however rather need to be kept an eye on and held to a higher standard. He is highlighting the need for checks and balances in order to make sure that those in power are not abusing their authority. Madison is also recommending that those in power should be held to a higher ethical requirement, as they have the potential to trigger fantastic damage if their power is mistreated. This quote serves as a reminder that those in power need to be held to a higher requirement and should not be trusted blindly. It is a pointer that power ought to be used properly and with care.