“The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over the government.”
- 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
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Quote
“The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over the government.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt outlines the delicate balance necessary for a functioning democracy. He emphasizes that the protection of liberty depends on two interdependent factors: a strong government that can protect the rights and interests of its citizens, and an empowered, informed public that maintains its sovereign control over that government. Roosevelt’s view highlights that government power should be exercised in service of the people, ensuring that the interests of the public—especially the vulnerable—are safeguarded. At the same time, the citizens must remain engaged, informed, and active in order to prevent government overreach or corruption.
Roosevelt’s statement reflects his belief in the necessity of government intervention to protect the common good, particularly during times of economic hardship like the Great Depression. While advocating for a strong government capable of addressing national crises, he also stresses the importance of citizen participation in democracy. This is where the idea of an informed electorate comes into play—only a well-informed public can hold leaders accountable and ensure that the government remains a force for good, not for tyranny or abuse of power.
In today’s context, this quote is a reminder of the balance between government power and citizen oversight. In a modern democracy, active participation, education, and informed voting are key components in maintaining the integrity of the democratic process. Roosevelt’s words resonate in the ongoing discussions about government accountability, the need for transparency, and the importance of an engaged public in protecting both individual freedoms and collective well-being.
