Citizens Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“A share in the sovereignty of the state, which is exercised by the citizens at large, in voting at elections is one of the most important rights of the subject, and in a republic ought to stand foremost in the estimation of the law.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1787, Thomas Jefferson, 1787
Citizens exercising voting power is a fundamental right essential to a republic's law and legitimacy.
In simple terms: Voting is a core right.
Key Takeaway
Protect and use your vote.
Themes
democracy
citizenship
law
Mood
hopeful
serious
Type
political
educational
When to use this quote
- elections
- civic education
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
suffrage
republicanism
political legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can turnout improve?
- What barriers prevent voting?
A Different Perspective
Voter apathy weakens democracy.
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![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
