“Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of freedoms of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.”

~ James Madison

Source: Virginia Convention on the ratification of the Constitution, Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, Jonathan Elliot, ed., v.3 p.87 (Philadelphia, 1836), 6 June 1788