Democracy Quote by Christine Barbour
““If left unattended by nonvigilant citizens, the freedoms of democracy can be lost to an all-powerful state, and citizens can become transformed into subjects of the government they failed to keep in check.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Democracy at Risk, 2020
Neglect by citizens allows authoritarian control, turning freedoms into oppression
In simple terms: Apathy endangers democratic freedoms
Key Takeaway
Stay vigilant and active to protect democracy
Themes
politics
freedom
civic duty
Mood
serious
urgent
Type
Democracy:1
Freedom:1
Politics:1
Democracy Lost:1
Freedoms Democracy:1
Nonvigilant Citizens:1
Citizens Freedoms:1
Unattended Nonvigilant:1
When to use this quote
- voting
- community organizing
- education
- media literacy
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
public engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions keep democracy healthy?
- How do you encourage civic participation?
A Different Perspective
Complacency can be hard to overcome
![“Vote for Donald Trump. You're going to see something and you'll be so happy, you'll be so thrilled. This [presidential] election is about every man, woman and child in our country who deserves to live in safety, prosperity and peace, so true.” quote by Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/18e/donald-trump-18_children_vote-for-donald-trump-you-re-going-to-se_1553.jpg)
