“Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.”
- January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945
- American
- Politician
- [Achievements]
- As president of the United States, he promoted economic recovery from the Great Depression with the New Deal policy
- He led the Allied powers to victory in World War II
- [Criticism]
- His hard-line policy toward Japan triggered the attack on Pearl Harbor
- He pushed for the forced internment policy of Japanese Americans due to racist feelings toward the Japanese
- He promoted the Manhattan Project, a plan to develop the atomic bomb
Quote
“Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt emphasizes the democratic principle that the government exists to serve the people, not the other way around. Roosevelt reminds us that the power of the state is not concentrated in the hands of elected officials or government institutions, but rests ultimately with the citizens who have the right to vote and influence the direction of the country. His statement reflects the core idea of popular sovereignty, which holds that authority in a democracy comes from the consent of the governed. Roosevelt wanted to reinforce the idea that elected leaders are public servants, not rulers, and that they are accountable to the people who place them in power.
Roosevelt’s words were particularly relevant during his presidency, as he faced both a great economic depression and the pressures of global conflict. At a time when many Americans were struggling with economic hardship, Roosevelt sought to restore faith in democratic institutions and encourage active participation in the democratic process. By stating that the ultimate rulers of democracy are the voters, he reminded Americans that they had the power to shape their own destiny through elections and political engagement. His leadership aimed to restore trust in the democratic system and empower citizens to influence government decisions.
In modern times, this quote continues to resonate as a reminder of the power and responsibility of citizens in a democracy. It is particularly relevant when discussing issues such as voter rights, civic engagement, and the role of public participation in shaping government policy. Roosevelt’s words serve as a call to action for citizens to remain informed, engaged, and active in their civic duties, as they hold the ultimate authority over their government. The health of a democracy depends not only on the actions of elected officials but also on the active participation of its people.
