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by DetroitThrow 2089 days ago
> Madison may have been impure, but that is distinct from his thoughts on property being a right instead of a "function or construct of society, rather than a natural right in itself".

To be clear for anyone else reading, Madison viewed personal property as a right, but private property as a social construct - there is no vagueness in his views.

Additional context provided here: https://thf_media.s3.amazonaws.com/CPP/FP_PS02w.pdf

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/taxation/publications/aba...

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To anyone reading DetroitThrow's comment. Madison's own words delineate what he thought of property.:

" That is not a just government, nor is property secure under it, where the property which a man has in his personal safety and personal liberty, is violated by arbitrary seizures of one class of citizens for the service of the rest."

and Madison's closing words:

If the United States mean to obtain or deserve the full praise due to wise and just governments, they will equally respect the rights of property, and the property in rights: they will rival the government that most sacredly guards the former; and by repelling its example in violating the latter, will make themselves a pattern to that and all other governments.

~ https://thf_media.s3.amazonaws.com/CPP/FP_PS02w.pdf

~ Madison on Property

Madison viewed a just government as protector of private property.