--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The small and seemingly benign remit of…" description: "\"“The small and seemingly benign remit of student bodies has far-reaching effects. The whole idea behind student council is to prepare future citizens t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb7/andrew-heaton-31886_important-decision_the-small-and-seemingly-benign-remit-of_2522137.jpg" --- # The small and seemingly benign remit of student bodies has… ![“The small and seemingly benign remit of student bodies has far-reaching effects. The whole idea behind student council is to prepare future citizens to run the country by exposing them to democratic practice. What lessons is it teaching them, then? That government is basically a popularity contest…” quote by Andrew Heaton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb7/andrew-heaton-31886_important-decision_the-small-and-seemingly-benign-remit-of_2522137.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb7/andrew-heaton-31886_important-decision_the-small-and-seemingly-benign-remit-of_2522137.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb7/andrew-heaton-31886_important-decision_the-small-and-seemingly-benign-remit-of_2522137.jpg) > ““The small and seemingly benign remit of student bodies has far-reaching effects. The whole idea behind student council is to prepare future citizens to run the country by exposing them to democratic practice. What lessons is it teaching them, then? That government is basically a popularity contest vested with the minor task of organizing fun events irrespective of actual responsibility. Because the really important decisions are quietly made by unelected people. Sound like any country you know? Student”” [Andrew Heaton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-heaton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Student councils simulate democratic processes but often prioritize popularity over real governance, mirroring broader political flaws. **In simple terms:** Student councils teach democracy but can become popularity contests. Key Takeaway Critically assess the value of student governance. Themes education politics leadership democracy citizenship Mood reflective critical Type analytical inspirational When to use this quote - school elections - policy discussions - community projects Key Concepts representation power dynamics Questions to Reflect On - How can student councils balance fun and responsibility? - What reforms could improve genuine democratic practice? A Different Perspective May overlook substantive decision‑making in favor of entertainment. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Important decision](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/important-decision/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Popularity contest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/popularity-contest/) [Student council](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/student-council/) ## Related quotes > [The federal government is basically an insurance company with an army.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-krugman/the-federal-government-is-basically-an-insurance-company-with-an-army/) [Paul Krugman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-krugman/) > [Government is basically a parasite, and if the host doesn't grow, then government suffers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeb-bush/government-is-basically-a-parasite-and-if-the-host-doesn-t-grow-then/) [Jeb Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeb-bush/) > [The Republican establishment cringe at the very discussion of social issues. 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