Better Quote by David Mamet

Nations crumble from within when the citizenry asks of government those things which the citizenry might better provide for itself.

— Ronald Reagan

The citizen can bring our political and governmental institutions back to life, make them responsive and accountable, and keep them honest. No one else…

— John Gardner

“once the citizenry acquiesces to a new power, believing that it does not affect them, it becomes institutionalized and legitimized and objection becomes impossible.”

— Glenn Greenwald

Through elections, the citizenry directs political decision-making. Their views are what informs campaigns and government decisions.

— Jessica Tarlov

Government is not a substitute for people, but simply the instrument through which they act. And if the individual fails to do his duty…

— Bernard Baruch

[...] [E]very citizen has to avoid any activities and speeches that harm the image of the country and interests of the people.

— Thein Sein

The trouble with government as it is, is that it doesn't represent the people. It controls them.

— John Lennon

Government can contribute to a shared sense of purpose on the part of the citizenry; that's its highest and best application.

— William Weld

If we are to build grassroots respect for the institutions and processes that constitute democracy, the state must treat its citizens as real citizens…

— Mo Ibrahim

There are many things the government cant do, many good purposes it must renounce. It must leave them to the enterprise of others. It…

— Lord Acton

True citizens are not the audience of their government, nor its consumers; they are its makers.

— Lewis Hyde

Government should be weak, amateurish and ridiculous. At present, it fulfills only a third of the role.

— Edward Abbey