Skip to content

...if the citizens neglect their Duty and place…

“...if the citizens neglect their Duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the Laws; the public revenues will be…” quote by Noah Webster
Download Open image
“...if the citizens neglect their Duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the Laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizen will be violated or disregarded.”

Noah Webster

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Neglecting duty leads to corrupt officials, wasteful spending, and violated rights.

In simple terms: Neglecting duty breeds corruption.

Key Takeaway

Uphold civic responsibility to prevent abuse.

Themes

civic duty corruption governance

Mood

cautious critical

Type

analytical political

When to use this quote

  • elections
  • public administration
  • budget oversight

Key Concepts

political science ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards can ensure accountable leadership?
  • How does public apathy enable corruption?
A Different Perspective

Even with vigilance, systemic inertia can persist.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Noah Webster

Explore all 81 Noah Webster quotes

More Citizens quotes

Browse all 4,189 Citizens quotes