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Consent of the governed Quote by John Podesta

“Public access to government information is a fundamental prerequisite to a functioning democracy. A democratic system is based on the notion that government legitimacy requires the consent of the governed. To be meaningful that consent must be informed.” quote by John Podesta
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““Public access to government information is a fundamental prerequisite to a functioning democracy. A democratic system is based on the notion that government legitimacy requires the consent of the governed. To be meaningful that consent must be informed.””

John Podesta

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public Access to Information Forum, 2015

Transparent government information is essential for an informed citizenry and legitimate democratic consent.

In simple terms: Open info is key for true democracy.

Key Takeaway

Support open government data.

Themes

democracy transparency citizen rights

Mood

serious inquisitive

Type

political educational

When to use this quote

  • journalism
  • civic engagement
  • policy making

Key Concepts

political theory information ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What info should stay private?
  • How can we balance transparency and security?
A Different Perspective

Too much openness can threaten privacy.

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