Public officers are the servants and agents of the people, to execute the laws which the people have made.
Grover ClevelandRead
It is the responsibility of the citizens to support their government. It is not the responsibility of the government to support its citizens.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Citizens play an active role in supporting their government rather than relying solely on government support.
This quote by Grover Cleveland emphasizes the idea that a healthy democracy relies on engaged and responsible citizens who support and uphold the government. It suggests that while governments have roles to play, the foundation of governance rests on the active participation and accountability of its citizens, implying that civic responsibility is crucial for a functioning society.
Themes
CitizenshipResponsibilityGovernmentParticipationDemocracy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for civic engagement, one might quote this to underline the importance of citizen involvement.
More from Grover Cleveland
All quotes βUnswerving loyalty to duty, constant devotion to truth, and a clear conscience will overcome every discouragement and surely lead the way to usefulness and high achievement.
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Though the people support the government; the government should not support the people.
Grover ClevelandRead
Your every voter, as surely as your chief magistrate, exercises a public trust.
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Once the coffers of the federal government are opened to the public, there will be no shutting them again.
Grover ClevelandRead
The lessons of paternalism ought to be unlearned and the better lesson taught that while the people should patriotically and cheerfully support their government, its functions do not include the support of the people.
Grover ClevelandRead
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