--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: So little of what makes a democracy work…" description: "\"So little of what makes a democracy work is written down. So much of it is just the things you don't do. There are a lot of things that a prime ministe..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/752/david-frum-3455_can-do_so-little-of-what-makes-a-democracy-work_3235094.jpg" --- # So little of what makes a democracy work is written down… ![“So little of what makes a democracy work is written down. So much of it is just the things you don't do. There are a lot of things that a prime minister or a president can do and they don't do them because it never occurs to them to do them.” quote by David Frum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/752/david-frum-3455_can-do_so-little-of-what-makes-a-democracy-work_3235094.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/752/david-frum-3455_can-do_so-little-of-what-makes-a-democracy-work_3235094.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/752/david-frum-3455_can-do_so-little-of-what-makes-a-democracy-work_3235094.jpg) > “So little of what makes a democracy work is written down. So much of it is just the things you don't do. There are a lot of things that a prime minister or a president can do and they don't do them because it never occurs to them to do them.” [David Frum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-frum/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Democratic systems rely heavily on unwritten norms and inactions, not just formal rules. **In simple terms:** Democracy works on unwritten norms. Key Takeaway Recognize and uphold informal democratic practices. Themes governance democracy norms Mood analytical thoughtful Type political educational When to use this quote - legislative work - public policy - civic education - leadership training Key Concepts Political theory institutional behavior Questions to Reflect On - What unwritten rule is most vital in your organization? - How can we make implicit expectations explicit? 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