Believable Quote by Gerald R. Ford
“In a political sense, there is one problem that currently underlies all of the others. That problem is making Government sufficiently responsive to the people. If we don't make government responsive to the people, we don't make it believable. And we must make government believable if we are to have a functioning democracy.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Government Responsiveness, 1975
Effective democracy needs a government that listens and acts on citizens’ needs; otherwise legitimacy erodes.
In simple terms: Government must be responsive to stay credible.
Key Takeaway
Make institutions listen to people.
Themes
democracy
legitimacy
governance
citizen trust
Mood
concerned
hopeful
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- public consultations
- elections
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
responsiveness
accountability
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure responsiveness without sacrificing minority rights?
- What mechanisms best translate public input into policy?
A Different Perspective
Responsiveness alone doesn't guarantee fairness; power structures may still marginalize groups.
