60+ James Monroe Quotes From The 5th U.S. President

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 12, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Feb 22, 2021
Edited by Jacob Fitzbright
Hand with ballot and wooden box on Flag
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Read time: 9.2 Min

"Munroe", a misspelling of his name, was the campaign slogan of President James Monroe, and his campaign song was "Monroe is the Man", in 1816.

President James Monroe was one of the most dominant presidential candidates ever, running unopposed and getting 81% of the votes in 1820. He was also famous for introducing the Monroe doctrine.

Here are some facts, James Monroe was a hero of the Battle of Trenton, he nearly died after being shot in the Battle of Trenton and he studied a Law apprenticeship under Thomas Jefferson and is among the three founding fathers who were elected as president and died on the 4th of July.

Read this article for some of the most famous James Monroe Quotes. You could also check out President James Monroe famous quotes, quotes about James Monroe, quotes from James Monroe.

There are many fans of this President as well as his mentor, Thomas Jefferson.

If you like this article about the quotations from the former President of the United States, you may also want to check our other quotes articles Woodrow Wilson quotes and Kamala Harris quotes.

Best James Monroe Quotes

Hands raise the white flags with the word VOTE up

Let us take a look at some of the quotations from the hero of the battle of Trenton. A prolific author with a lot of fans all over the earth. Here are some of the best James Monroe quotes from the former President of the United States of America.

1. "How difficult it has been for mankind, in all ages and countries, to preserve their dearest rights and best privileges, impelled as it were by an irresistible fate of despotism."

- James Monroe.

2. "The imperatives of virtue attached all sorts of desiderata to the republican citizen: simplicity, frugality, sobriety, simple manners, Christian benevolence, duty to the polity."

- James Monroe.

3. "It is by rendering justice to other nations that we can expect it from them."

- James Monroe.

4. "If America wants concessions, she must fight for them. We must purchase our power with our blood.

James Monroe."

5. "If we look to the history of other nations, ancient or modern, we find no example of a growth so rapid, so gigantic, of a people so prosperous and happy."

- James Monroe.

6. "The Executive is charged officially in the Departments under it with the disbursement of the public money, and is responsible for the faithful application of it to the purposes for which it is raised."

- James Monroe.

7. "It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for our defence."

- James Monroe.

8. "It is better to spread trust all around than to hand out money!"

- James Monroe.

9. "No tribe or people have a right to withhold from the wants of others more than is necessary for their own support and comfort."

- James Monroe.

10. "The citizens of the United States cherish sentiments the most friendly in favor of liberty and happiness beyond the Atlantic."

- James Monroe.

11. "It is the knowledge that all men have weaknesses and that many have vices that makes government necessary."

- James Monroe.

12. "The political system of the allied powers is essentially different in this respect from that of America. "

-  James Monroe.

13. "Let us by wise and constitutional measures promote intelligence among the people as the best means of preserving our liberties."

- James Monroe.

14. "There is a price tag on human liberty. That price is the willingness to assume the responsibilities of being free men. Payment of this price is a personal matter with each of us."

- James Monroe.

15. "Usurpation is then an easy attainment, and a usurper soon found. The people themselves become the willing instruments of their own debasement and ruin."

- James Monroe.

16. "It is still the true policy of the United States to leave the parties to themselves, in hope that other powers will pursue the same course."

- James Monroe.

17. "It was by one Union that we achieved our independence and liberties, and by it alone can they be maintained."

-  James Monroe.

18. "The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil."

- James Monroe.

19. "We don't always have the best athletes, but we got the best kids in the world."

- James Monroe.

20. "A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue."

- James Monroe.

Political James Monroe Quotes

Here are some political quotes and quotations, by the former President of the United States. These James Monroe quotes discuss the political scenario of the USA.

21. "At no period of our political existence had we so much cause to felicitate ourselves at the prosperous and happy condition of our country."

- James Monroe.

22. "To impose taxes when the public exigencies require them is an obligation of the most sacred character, especially with a free people."

- James Monroe.

23. "How prone all human institutions have been to decay; how subject the best-formed and most wisely organized governments have been to lose their check and totally dissolve."

- James Monroe.

24. "There is every reason to believe that our system will soon attain the highest degree of perfection of which human institutions are capable."

- James Monroe.

25. "By the last returns to the Department of War the militia force of the several States may be estimated at 800,000 men - infantry, artillery, and cavalry."

- James Monroe.

26. "Peace on Earth is the best time for improvement and preparation of every kind."

- James Monroe.

27. "Tyrants kept standing armies; republics relied on free yeomen, defending their own land."

- James Monroe.

28. "If these rights are well defined, and secured against encroachment, it is impossible that government should ever degenerate into tyranny."

- James Monroe.

29. "In a representative republic, the education of our children must be of the utmost importance!"

- James Monroe.

30. "It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising their sovereignty."

- James Monroe.

31. "The Legislature is the watchful guardian over the public purse. It is its duty to see that the disbursement has been honestly made."

- James Monroe.

32. "Republics called on other virtues like spiritedness, courage--to protect the polity from external threats."

- James Monroe.

33. "It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries."

- James Monroe.

34. "The right of self-defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals."

- James Monroe.

35. "I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrage of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty."

- James Monroe.

36. "We must support our rights or lose our character, and with it, perhaps, our liberties."

- James Monroe.

37. "The civil war which has so long prevailed between Spain and the Provinces in South America still continues, without any prospect of its speedy termination."

-  James Monroe.

38. "I take a deep interest, as a parent and a citizen in the success of female education, and have been delighted whenever I have been, to witness the attention paid to it."

- James Monroe.

39. "Republics relied on the goodness of the people to put aside private interest for public good."

- James Monroe.

40.  "It is in peace that our commerce flourishes most, that taxes are most easily paid, and that the revenue is most productive."

- James Monroe.

Famous James Monroe Quotes

Here are some famous author and former President James Monroe quotes. These quotations by the former President of The United States are loved by his followers.

41. "The crime of ingratitude has not yet stained, and I trust never will stain, our national character."

- James Monroe.

42. "History has shown that at least one-half of every century is consumed in war."

- James Monroe.

43. "I regret that I should leave this world without again beholding him."

- James Monroe.

44. "You are considered by them as not only having rendered important service in our own revolution, but as being, on a more extended scale, the friend of human rights, and able advocate of public liberty."

- James Monroe.

45. "Republics demanded more virtue. Monarchies could rely on coercion and 'dazzling splendor' to suppress self-interest or factions."

- James Monroe.

46. "Attacks on me will do no harm, and silent contempt is the best answer to them."

- James Monroe.

47. "The payments which have been made into the Treasury show the very productive state of the public revenue."

- James Monroe.

48. "By these purchases the Indian title, with moderate reservations, has been extinguished to the whole of the land within the limits of the States."

- James Monroe.

49. "Let us, then, look to the great cause, and endeavor to preserve it in full force."

- James Monroe.

50. "The Almighty will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protect which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor."

- James Monroe.

51. "A day should be set apart for the devout purposes of rendering to the Sovereign of the Universe and the Benefactor of mankind."

- James Monroe.

52. "The mention of Greece fills the mind with the most exalted sentiments and arouses in our bosoms the best feelings of which our nature is capable."

- James Monroe.

53. "There is not only in the theory of our government no recognition of God's laws and sovereignty, but its practical operation, its administration, has been conformable to its theory."

- James Monroe.

54."To the welfare of Thomas Paine who influenced Thomas Jefferson, the Americans are not, nor can they be, indifferent."

- James Monroe.

55. "Seeking His merciful forgiveness, His assistance in the great duties of repentance and amendment; and that in the present season of calamity and war is essential."

- James Monroe.

56. "From several of the Indian tribes inhabiting the country bordering on Lake Erie purchases have been made of lands on conditions very favorable to the United States."

- James Monroe.

57.  "Those who have been called to administer the government have not been men making any public profession of Christianity."

- James Monroe.

58. "He would take the American People under his peculiar care and protection; that he would guide their public councils, animate their patriotism, and bestow His blessing on their arms."

- James Monroe.

59. "Turning the hearts of our enemies from the violence and injustice which sway their councils against us, He would hasten a restoration of the blessings of Peace."

- James Monroe.

60. "The public homage due to his holy attributes; of acknowledging the transgressions which might justly provoke the manifestations of His divine displeasures."

- James Monroe.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for James Monroe quotes then why not take a look at Andrew Jackson quotes, or Harry Truman quotes.

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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