---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The basis of effective government is…"
description: "\"The basis of effective government is public confidence.\" — John F. Kennedy"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f22/john-f-kennedy-246_bases_the-basis-of-effective-government-is-pub_2514926.jpg"
---

#  The basis of effective government is public confidence.

![“The basis of effective government is public confidence.” quote by John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f22/john-f-kennedy-246_bases_the-basis-of-effective-government-is-pub_2514926.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f22/john-f-kennedy-246_bases_the-basis-of-effective-government-is-pub_2514926.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f22/john-f-kennedy-246_bases_the-basis-of-effective-government-is-pub_2514926.jpg)

> “The basis of effective government is public confidence.”

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Effective governance relies on citizens trusting their leaders and institutions.

**In simple terms:** Public trust is essential for good government.

Key Takeaway

Build and maintain public confidence.

Themes

trust government leadership

Mood

hopeful serious

Type

political inspirational

When to use this quote

- elections
- policy communication
- crisis management

Key Concepts

social contract legitimacy accountability

Questions to Reflect On

- How can leaders demonstrate transparency?
- What actions rebuild lost confidence?

A Different Perspective

Trust can be eroded by scandals or misinformation.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Confidence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confidence/) [Ethical standards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ethical-standards/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/)

## Related quotes

> [The basis of effective government if public confidence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-fitzgerald-kennedy/the-basis-of-effective-government-if-public-confidence/)

[John Fitzgerald Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-fitzgerald-kennedy/)

> [The basis of effective government is public confidence, and that confidence is endangered when ethical standards falter or appear to falter.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-basis-of-effective-government-is-public-confidence-and-that/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [Our country is too large to have all its affairs directed by a single government. Public servants at such a distance, and from under…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/our-country-is-too-large-to-have-all-its-affairs-directed-by-a-single/)

[Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/)

> [America's government has to get the public investments right.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/van-jones/america-s-government-has-to-get-the-public-investments-right/)

[Van Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/van-jones/)

> [If I defected at all, I defected from the government to the public](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-snowden/if-i-defected-at-all-i-defected-from-the-government-to-the-public/)

[Edward Snowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-snowden/)

> [“If exercising the right to vote were truly effective, the government would not be so eager to promote it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-p-napolitano/if-exercising-the-right-to-vote-were-truly-effective-the-government/)

[Andrew P. Napolitano](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-p-napolitano/)

> [Public policy in the twentieth century was about protecting and expanding the social compact, based on recognition that effective government at the federal level…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-bernstein/public-policy-in-the-twentieth-century-was-about-protecting-and/)

[Carl Bernstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-bernstein/)

> [An empowered public is the foundation for a stronger society, more effective government, and a more successful state.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-zoellick/an-empowered-public-is-the-foundation-for-a-stronger-society-more/)

[Robert Zoellick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-zoellick/)

> [In order to spur economic growth we need to put the brakes on out of control spending, lower Ohioans tax burden and create a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/in-order-to-spur-economic-growth-we-need-to-put-the-brakes-on-out-of/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> ["Big" government? Who wants that? I just want effective government. That means America's government needs to be big in some places, small in others…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/van-jones/big-government-who-wants-that-i-just-want-effective-government-that/)

[Van Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/van-jones/)

> [Obama has demonstrated no desire to make tough choices. Americans demand a more efficient, effective government, but his budget calls for more taxes and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/reince-priebus/obama-has-demonstrated-no-desire-to-make-tough-choices-americans/)

[Reince Priebus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/reince-priebus/)

> [Our battle over the size of the state overlooks a problem that is just as important and that may be easier to muster the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/our-battle-over-the-size-of-the-state-overlooks-a-problem-that-is/)

[Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/)

> [The lure of heady profits of the late 1990's spawned abuses and excesses. With strict enforcement and higher ethical standards, we must usher in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-w-bush/the-lure-of-heady-profits-of-the-late-1990-s-spawned-abuses-and/)

[George W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-w-bush/)

> [In 30 years of public service, I have had no scandals. I have high ethical standards. I am most proud of my judgement, that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernie-sanders/in-30-years-of-public-service-i-have-had-no-scandals-i-have-high/)

[Bernie Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernie-sanders/)

> [There’s no way to succeed in business without the highest ethical standards.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jordan-belfort/there-s-no-way-to-succeed-in-business-without-the-highest-ethical/)

[Jordan Belfort](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jordan-belfort/)

## More by John F. Kennedy

> [“We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/we-shall-pay-any-price-bear-any-burden-meet-any-hardship-support-any/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

> [We stand today on the edge of a new frontier - the frontier of the 1960's - a frontier of unknown opportunities and perils…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/we-stand-today-on-the-edge-of-a-new-frontier-the-frontier-of-the-1960/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

> [We will neglect our cities to our peril, for in neglecting them we neglect the nation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/we-will-neglect-our-cities-to-our-peril-for-in-neglecting-them-we/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

> [We must recognize that every nation determines its policies in terms of its own interests.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/we-must-recognize-that-every-nation-determines-its-policies-in-terms/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

> [Someone always needs rescuing, yet there's only one person who ever seems to understand you. It's a lot like being Lassie.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/someone-always-needs-rescuing-yet-there-s-only-one-person-who-ever/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

> [Student loans have been helpful to many. But they offer neither incentive nor assistance to those students who, by reason of family or other…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/student-loans-have-been-helpful-to-many-but-they-offer-neither/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

> [Great crises produce great men, and great deeds of courage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/great-crises-produce-great-men-and-great-deeds-of-courage/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

> [There comes a point where you see no evidence that the carrot and diplomacy are working.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/there-comes-a-point-where-you-see-no-evidence-that-the-carrot-and/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

> [Suspicion on one side breeds suspicion on the other, and new weapons beget counter-weapons.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/suspicion-on-one-side-breeds-suspicion-on-the-other-and-new-weapons/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

> [We have some of the most influential Members of Congress here today, and I do hope that we can get this appropriation for these…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/we-have-some-of-the-most-influential-members-of-congress-here-today/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

> [Disarmament without checks is but a shadow - and a community without law is but a shell.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/disarmament-without-checks-is-but-a-shadow-and-a-community-without/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

> [This is one country. It has become one country because all of us and all the people who came here had an equal chance…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/this-is-one-country-it-has-become-one-country-because-all-of-us-and/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

> [“The courage of life is often a less dramatic spectacle than the courage of a final moment; but it is no less a magnificent…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/the-courage-of-life-is-often-a-less-dramatic-spectacle-than-the/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

> [Washington is a city of Southern efficiency and Northern charm.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/washington-is-a-city-of-southern-efficiency-and-northern-charm/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

> [Peace does not rest in the charters and covenants alone. It lies in the hearts and minds of all people. So let us not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/peace-does-not-rest-in-the-charters-and-covenants-alone-it-lies-in/)

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

[Explore all 824 John F. Kennedy quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/)

## More Bases quotes

> [Self-respect and a clear conscience are powerful components of integrity and are the basis for enriching your relationships with others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/self-respect-and-a-clear-conscience-are-powerful-components-of/)

[Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/)

> [If my campaign is not in the debate, we will not be talking about how we really fix this problem of endless and expanding…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jill-stein/if-my-campaign-is-not-in-the-debate-we-will-not-be-talking-about-how/)

[Jill Stein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jill-stein/)

> [I don't want to go into space because of war. I think we would if it was triggered. If China said they want to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neil-degrasse-tyson/i-don-t-want-to-go-into-space-because-of-war-i-think-we-would-if-it/)

[Neil deGrasse Tyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-degrasse-tyson/)

> [The United States cannot and should not discriminate on the basis of religion. The free exercise of religion is at the very heart of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-pence/the-united-states-cannot-and-should-not-discriminate-on-the-basis-of/)

[Mike Pence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-pence/)

> [According to the best research, less than 3% of Americans have written goals, and less than 1% review and rewrite their goals on a daily basis.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/according-to-the-best-research-less-than-3-of-americans-have-written/)

[Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/)

> [When the Lord Jesus Christ became my surety . . . He went to Calvary's cross, and all my guilt was charged against Him.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-allen-ironside/when-the-lord-jesus-christ-became-my-surety-he-went-to-calvary-s/)

[Henry Allen Ironside](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-allen-ironside/)

> [I'm in a business where there's complete anarchy. You can't control it - you can only react to it. The control that people traditionally…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-sorrell/i-m-in-a-business-where-there-s-complete-anarchy-you-can-t-control-it/)

[Martin Sorrell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-sorrell/)

> [This tendency to avoid problems and the emotional suffering inherent in them is the primary basis of all human mental illness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-r-swindoll/this-tendency-to-avoid-problems-and-the-emotional-suffering-inherent/)

[Charles R. Swindoll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-r-swindoll/)

> [There are dangers in consensus: it could be an attempt to satisfy people holding no particular views about anything. ... No great party can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-thatcher/there-are-dangers-in-consensus-it-could-be-an-attempt-to-satisfy/)

[Margaret Thatcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-thatcher/)

> [There's no way to have a peace agreement unless the mediator or negotiator looks at both sides from an equal basis.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jimmy-carter/there-s-no-way-to-have-a-peace-agreement-unless-the-mediator-or/)

[Jimmy Carter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jimmy-carter/)

> [Coercion is the basis of every law in the universe,--human or divine. A law is not law without coercion behind it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-a-garfield/coercion-is-the-basis-of-every-law-in-the-universe-human-or-divine-a/)

[James A. Garfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-a-garfield/)

> [Each Act of Parliament intended to address harassment and discrimination has faced objections on the basis of 'you'll never be able to prove...' and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-field/each-act-of-parliament-intended-to-address-harassment-and/)

[Tim Field](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-field/)

> [If you want good behavior, don't pay on a commission basis. Our judges aren't paid so much a case. We keep them pretty well…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlie-munger/if-you-want-good-behavior-don-t-pay-on-a-commission-basis-our-judges/)

[Charlie Munger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlie-munger/)

> [My favorite thing about being a mom is just what a better person it makes you on a daily basis,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/drew-barrymore/my-favorite-thing-about-being-a-mom-is-just-what-a-better-person-it/)

[Drew Barrymore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/drew-barrymore/)

> [We have committed ourselves to pursue joint policies, but then national governments say, "We aren't bound by that." That is a dramatic situation, because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-schulz/we-have-committed-ourselves-to-pursue-joint-policies-but-then/)

[Martin Schulz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-schulz/)

Browse all 2,701 Bases quotes

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "The basis of effective government is public confidence.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "John F. Kennedy"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/the-basis-of-effective-government-is-public-confidence/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Bases"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/the-basis-of-effective-government-is-public-confidence/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f22/john-f-kennedy-246_bases_the-basis-of-effective-government-is-pub_2514926.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f22/john-f-kennedy-246_bases_the-basis-of-effective-government-is-pub_2514926.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f22/john-f-kennedy-246_bases_the-basis-of-effective-government-is-pub_2514926.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“The basis of effective government is public confidence.” — John F. Kennedy",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "John F. Kennedy",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "The basis of effective government is...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/the-basis-of-effective-government-is-public-confidence/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/the-basis-of-effective-government-is-public-confidence/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
