--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: First, fidelity. The dictionary defines…" description: "\"“First, fidelity. The dictionary defines fidelity as a strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty. To my mind, that word on ou..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b9/historica-press-14390_american-life_first-fidelity-the-dictionary-defines-fi_196757.jpg" --- # First, fidelity. The dictionary defines fidelity as a… ![“First, fidelity. The dictionary defines fidelity as a strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty. To my mind, that word on our shield reminds us that the FBI must abide two obligations at the same time. First, the FBI must be independent of all political forces or…” quote by Historica Press](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b9/historica-press-14390_american-life_first-fidelity-the-dictionary-defines-fi_196757.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b9/historica-press-14390_american-life_first-fidelity-the-dictionary-defines-fi_196757.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b9/historica-press-14390_american-life_first-fidelity-the-dictionary-defines-fi_196757.jpg) > ““First, fidelity. The dictionary defines fidelity as a strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty. To my mind, that word on our shield reminds us that the FBI must abide two obligations at the same time. First, the FBI must be independent of all political forces or interests in this country. In a real sense, it must stand apart from other institutions in American life. But, second, at the same time, it must be part of the United States Department of Justice, and constrained by the rule of law and the checks and balances built into our brilliant design by our nation’s founders.”” [Historica Press](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/historica-press/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The FBI must stay politically independent while obeying the law and being part of the Justice Department, balancing autonomy with accountability. **In simple terms:** FBI must be independent yet law‑bound. Key Takeaway Maintain dual accountability. Themes independence law accountability Mood cautious serious Type institutional informational When to use this quote - policy making - law enforcement - government oversight - public trust Key Concepts Separation of powers checks and balances Questions to Reflect On - How can the FBI safeguard its independence? - What mechanisms ensure legal compliance? A Different Perspective Political pressures can threaten independence. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [American life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/american-life/) [Checks and balances](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/checks-and-balances/) [Fidelity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fidelity/) [Rule of law](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rule-of-law/) [Trust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trust/) ## Related quotes > [“This country was founded by people who were worried about government power—who knew that you cannot trust people in power. 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