Purpose of government to protect freedom
6/26 Mr. MADISON. He observed, that as it was more than probable we were now digesting a plan which in its
operation would decide for ever the fate of republican government, we ought, not only to provide every guard to
liberty that its preservation could require, but be equally careful to supply [compensate for] the defects which our
own experience had particularly pointed out.
6/26 Mr. SHERMAN: Government is instituted for those who live under it. It ought, therefore to be so constituted
as not to be dangerous to their liberties. The more permanency it has, the worse, if it be a bad government.
Frequent elections are necessary to preserve the good behaviour of rulers. They also tend to give permanency
to the government, by preserving that good behaviour, because it ensures their re-election.