Jill Lepore Quotes

But, you know, I'm sorry, I think democracy requires participation. I mean, I don't want to proselytize but I do feel some sort of duty to participate in the process in some way other than just blindly getting behind a political party.

Only a knowledgeable, empowered and vocal citizenry can perform well in democracy.

You can't be a full participant in our democracy if you don't know our history.

And in a democracy, when we say we're mad at what's going on, what we need to be saying is we're mad at ourselves.

In general people feel more relaxed about participating in politics. They aren't frightened as they used to be.

I always preach that you have to be active as a citizen no matter what, and some people just voting as an excuse not to do anything.

As a citizen, you need to know how to be a part of it, how to express yourself - and not just by voting.

Democracy is something that you must learn each generation. It has to be taught.

I don't profess to be an expert on anything, or have the memory for who ran in 1952. I am an informed American citizen, that's my position.

The first duty of an American citizen, then is that he shall work in politics.

The fact that a man is to vote forces him to think.

For America to work, Americans have to participate. If they don’t pay attention, they’re going to get screwed.

Citizens are refined, cultivated, and very political. I believe in the legitimacy of their participation.

The price of freedom—of individuality—is attention to politics, careful planning, careful organization;

Without care, there is no democracy.

In each and every election, it's your rights, it's your freedoms, it's your interests that are on the ballot.

I like to bring my kids to the voting booth to show them how it works. I'll let them draw their own conclusions as to how worthwhile it is.

The Constitution is worth saving, the rule of law is worth saving, democracy is worth saving, but these things can and will be lost if everyone waits around for someone else.

The job of a citizen is to keep his mouth open.

Growing up, when we would get dragged to these events, I didn't want to be there. Over time, as we got older, I developed a real appreciation of the importance of being involved in the democratic process.

I never miss a vote; I think that's the power of the people. A lot of people fought and died for us to have votes, for women to have votes in particular - your vote is your one weapon.

I think we may be seeing the beginnings of a resurgence of civic-mindedness in this country. Hopefully the younger generations, which came out in record numbers during the last presidential election, will pass their enthusiasm on to their children.

Democracy is interactive... It's a constant job of information, education, explanation, listening, and interactive communication.

I believe that everyone should participate in democracy and enjoy doing it.

No matter where you stand politically - even if you're unsure of what your political ideology is - it is important to take part in the process of shaping our government.