Joseph R. Biden Jr. Quotes

I tend to be one of those who does not equate democratization with the holding of elections. The emphasis ought to be on such things as rule of law, economic reform, and promotion of a free media - in short, essentially independent, free institutions.

Similarly, gender-equality, supremacy of law, political participation, civil society, and transparency are among the indispensable elements that are the imperatives of democratization.

We should insist that governments receiving American aid live up to standards of accountability and transparency, and we should support countries that embrace market reforms, democracy, and the rule of law.

We must remember that democracy works when given time to develop, mature and deliver. People must have access to information for informed debate. Government institutions must treat citizens fairly, and with dignity, while responding to their needs.

With a good [political] system, even evil men cannot do evil.

Without efforts to modernize legal institutions, new international agreements will remain unrealized and our democracies will continue to be threatened by our inability to track corruption and other criminal activities.

Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency.

Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions.

But there will be no justice, there will be no government of the people, by the people, and for the people, as long as the government and its officials permit bribery in any form.

After Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election, I was heartened to see him issue an Open Government Initiative on his first full day in office.

Blest is that government where no art thrives.

Thank God for our form of government. The media won't let there be any cover-up.

Democracy needs support, and the best support for democracy comes from other democracies.

It's not just parliament that requires radical modernisation. It's our democratic processes.

I wholeheartedly support the aspirations of the Ukrainian people for a democratic, free and just society where the rule of law prevails without corruption or government violence directed against citizens.

After all, I have spent the better part of my adult life insisting that government be open... that government be accessible... and that government be held accountable to people who voted us into office.

I would love to be the African leader that steps down, that overthrows this idea of a Big Man ruler. I don't want to stay in office forever.

It is time for the world, the hemisphere and the region to make sure that relevant institutions of civil society and relevant laws are embedded in the mechanisms of governance.

The secret ballot makes a secret government; and a secret government is a secret band of robbers and murderers.

As far as the constitution allows me, I will try to ensure that there is responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country. For I will not have kept my own trust with the Nigerian people if I allow others abuse theirs under my watch.

It always matters whether or not you can trust your government.

Democracy must be built through open societies that share information. When there is information, there is enlightenment. When there is debate, there are solutions. When there is no sharing of power, no rule of law, no accountability, there is abuse, corruption, subjugation and indignation.

We are giving the citizens of Poland a sense that a reasonable and predictable government is ruling here.

Open the way before the new government to prove that it is for serving the people.

The essence of good government is trust.