Tyranny has perhaps oftener grown out of the assumptions of power, called for, on pressing exigencies, by a defective constitution, than out of the full exercise of the largest constitutional authorities.
Alexander HamiltonRead
Democracy is not just a question of having a vote. It consists of strengthening each citizen's possibility and capacity to participate in the deliberations involved in life in society.
Interpretation
Democracy goes beyond voting; it requires active engagement and empowerment of citizens.
This quote emphasizes that democracy is not merely about the act of voting, but rather about fostering an environment where every citizen has the ability and opportunity to actively participate in societal discussions and decision-making processes. It highlights the importance of citizen engagement and empowerment in creating a truly democratic society.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about civic engagement at a local community event.
Tyranny has perhaps oftener grown out of the assumptions of power, called for, on pressing exigencies, by a defective constitution, than out of the full exercise of the largest constitutional authorities.
People are tired of being kept from the dignity that allows them to make their own choices.
The most effective way to restrict democracy is to transfer decision-making from the public arena to unaccountable institutions: kings and princes, priestly castes, military juntas, party dictatorships, or modern corporations.
What matters is that the majority of American people have become complacent in a senseless injustice that occurs all around them. What matters is that most American politicians have become more easily swayed by money than by the people who voted them into office.
By virtually every metric, the liberal international order has made the world healthier, wealthier, wiser, more secure and more tolerant than it has ever been.
A ballot is like a bullet. You don't throw your ballots until you see a target, and if that target is not within your reach, keep your ballot in your pocket.
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