Fisher Ames Warned Democracy Destroys Itself
Thu Feb 05 2026
Fisher Ames didn't just worry about democracy, he despised it.
In this episode of America's Founding Series, the life and ideas of Fisher Ames reveal why the Founders feared mob rule, moral absolutism, and political urgency driven by emotion rather than reason. Ames believed liberty survives only when passion is restrained by law, time, and reflection. As modern mobs reject disagreement, delegitimize institutions, and claim authority over the law itself, his warnings feel less like history and more like prophecy.
What You'll Learn
Why Fisher Ames believed democracy is driven by impulse, not reason The difference between citizens and mobs, why disagreement becomes betrayal, and the impact of social media on polarization and the mob mentality How the Constitution was designed to slow emotional surges before they become law Why gridlock is a feature, not a flaw, in a functioning republic How moral certainty and urgency lead societies toward instability and despotism
This episode connects America's founding principles to modern unrest and explains why a republic cannot survive when mobs replace law and emotion replaces judgment.
📲 Subscribe, listen, and share The P.A.S. Report Podcast to stay informed on the latest political issues shaping America.
Timestamps
00:52 The Fear of the Mob's Truth 01:53 Fisher Ames: A Founding Voice of Caution 04:14 The Dangers of Impulse in Democracy 07:46 Human Behavior and Political Urgency 09:41 The Erosion of Law and Order 11:36 The Subjectivity of Truth in Modern Society 14:18 Democracy vs. Republic: A Foundational Debate
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Fisher Ames didn't just worry about democracy, he despised it. In this episode of America's Founding Series, the life and ideas of Fisher Ames reveal why the Founders feared mob rule, moral absolutism, and political urgency driven by emotion rather than reason. Ames believed liberty survives only when passion is restrained by law, time, and reflection. As modern mobs reject disagreement, delegitimize institutions, and claim authority over the law itself, his warnings feel less like history and more like prophecy. What You'll Learn Why Fisher Ames believed democracy is driven by impulse, not reason The difference between citizens and mobs, why disagreement becomes betrayal, and the impact of social media on polarization and the mob mentality How the Constitution was designed to slow emotional surges before they become law Why gridlock is a feature, not a flaw, in a functioning republic How moral certainty and urgency lead societies toward instability and despotism This episode connects America's founding principles to modern unrest and explains why a republic cannot survive when mobs replace law and emotion replaces judgment. 📲 Subscribe, listen, and share The P.A.S. Report Podcast to stay informed on the latest political issues shaping America. Timestamps 00:52 The Fear of the Mob's Truth 01:53 Fisher Ames: A Founding Voice of Caution 04:14 The Dangers of Impulse in Democracy 07:46 Human Behavior and Political Urgency 09:41 The Erosion of Law and Order 11:36 The Subjectivity of Truth in Modern Society 14:18 Democracy vs. Republic: A Foundational Debate 🔔 Subscribe for More: 📖 Sign up for The P.A.S. Report newsletter at https://pasreport.com 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform! Follow The P.A.S. Report: 📱 X, YouTube, Instagram: @PasReport Share this episode and join the conversation! SUPPORT OUR AFFILIATES: Protect your privacy online with PureVPN. Visit https://rebrand.ly/PureVPNPAS and Discover why thousands of people are taking their privacy back. *Disclosure: If a purchase is made through these links, PA Strategies, LLC may earn a commission at no additional cost to the buyer.