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Authority Quote by Eleanor Roosevelt

“The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government...” quote by Eleanor Roosevelt
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“The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government...”

Eleanor Roosevelt

About This Quote

Source Speech: Address to the United Nations General Assembly, 1945

Legitimacy of government stems from the collective will of its people, not from rulers alone.

In simple terms: Governments should reflect the people's will.

Key Takeaway

Ensure policies align with popular consent.

Themes

politics democracy authority legitimacy citizenry

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • elections
  • public consultations
  • policy making

Key Concepts

Social contract popular sovereignty representative government

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can governments better gauge public will?
  • What limits exist on direct popular control?
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