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Quote#Politics & Power

If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money,…

Quote byJames Madison · 1751–1836

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Letter to w:Edmund Pendleton (21 January 1792).

English (original)

If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money, and will promote the general welfare, the Government is no longer a limited one possessing enumerated powers, but an indefinite one subject to particular exceptions.

— James Madison

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