I would rather be exposed to the inconve-niencies attending too much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it. The only barrier in their power is a wise government. A weak one will lose ground in every contest. Render the Executive a more desirable post to men of abilities by making it more independant of the legislature. To wit, let him be chosen by other electors, for a longer time, and ineligible for ever after.
Responsibility is a tremendous engine in a free government.
Let him feel the whole weight of it then by taking away the shelter of his executive council. Experience both ways has already established the superiority of this measure. Render the Judiciary respectable by every possible means, to wit, firm tenure in office, competent salaries, and reduction of their numbers. This branch of the government will have the weight of the conflict on their hands, because they will be the last appeal of reason. Mr. Madison's engagements as a member of Congress will probably be from October to March or April in every year.