Meaning: The quote "In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself" by James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, encapsulates a fundamental principle of governance. It reflects the core concept of the balance of power within a government and the need for checks and balances to prevent the abuse of authority.

James Madison was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a key architect of the U.S. Constitution. As such, his insights into the nature of government and the relationship between the governed and the governing authorities are highly significant. The quote can be understood in the context of the broader discussion of political philosophy and the principles that underpin democratic governance.

The first part of the quote, "you must first enable the government to control the governed," highlights the need for a government to have the authority and capacity to enforce laws and regulations for the maintenance of order and the protection of the rights of citizens. This notion is central to the concept of a social contract, where individuals agree to be governed in exchange for the protection of their rights and liberties.

The second part of the quote, "and in the next place oblige it to control itself," emphasizes the importance of restraining the powers of the government to prevent tyranny and abuse of authority. This reflects the concept of checks and balances, where different branches of government are empowered to limit the powers of one another, thereby ensuring that no single entity becomes too dominant or overreaching.

Madison's quote essentially underscores the delicate equilibrium that must be maintained within a government. On one hand, the government must have the authority to govern effectively, but on the other hand, it must be bound by limitations and accountability measures to prevent the concentration of power in a way that could lead to oppression or injustice.

The principles articulated in this quote are foundational to the structure of the U.S. government as outlined in the Constitution. The system of separated powers, with its distinct executive, legislative, and judicial branches, is designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too dominant. Additionally, the system of checks and balances ensures that each branch has the ability to limit the actions of the others, thereby promoting accountability and preventing the abuse of power.

Moreover, the quote resonates beyond the context of the United States and has been influential in shaping political thought and governance structures around the world. It serves as a reminder of the essential principles of democratic governance and the need for mechanisms to prevent the concentration of power in any single entity.

In conclusion, James Madison's quote captures the essence of the delicate balance of power within a government. It underscores the necessity of empowering the government to govern while simultaneously imposing constraints to prevent overreach. This principle has profoundly influenced the development of democratic governance and remains relevant in contemporary discussions of political theory and practice.