Among other things, I am currently reading The Political Philosophy of James Madison.  It is a terrific and terribly important read. 

http://https://www.amazon.com/Political-Philosophy-Madison-American-Founders/dp/0801871069

Madison’s political philosophy was greatly influenced by preacher and Princeton president, John Witherspoon.  Witherspoon’s influence is apparent in places like the Federalist Papers where you see Madison’s realistic view of man’s fallen nature.

“Democracies allow the greatest number of citizens in ruling, Witherspoon notes, but often, as he learned from Aristotle, they degenerate into mob rule, ‘deceived by demagogues’ and ‘subject to caprice and the madness of popular rage.'”

Do you think that is a word for us today?

https://www.amazon.com/Political-Philosophy-Madison-American-Founders/dp/0801871069