“We are right to take alarm at the first experiment upon our liberties”
— James Madison
Simplified Meaning:
When someone tries to take away our freedom, even just a little bit, we should be very concerned right away. Think about how if someone tried to take something small from your house, like a book. You would not ignore it just because it's small. You would be worried because if they can take a book today, they might take something more important tomorrow. In history, there have been times when governments or rulers have slowly begun limiting people's rights. If people don't speak up at the start, these small changes can lead to bigger and more serious losses of freedom. By paying attention and acting immediately, we protect our ability to live freely and make our own choices. This advice helps us stay watchful and prepared to defend our rights before they are taken away bit by bit.
