Another great quote from James Madison

June 6, 1788:  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; but, on a candid examination of history, we shall find
that turbulence, violence, and abuse of power, by the majority trampling
on the rights of the minority, have produced factions and commotions,
which, in republics, have, more frequently than any other cause,
produced despotism. If we go over the whole history of ancient and
modern republics, we shall find their destruction to have generally
resulted from those causes.