Frank-Walter Steinmeier Quotes

We are in a democratic society. It's our job to question.

Discussion is the bedrock of American democracy.

If you value the democratic process, you have to value the protection of political speech.

Democracy is not just voting for your leaders; it's really premised upon ordinary citizens understanding the issues.

Our history is that we can very aggressively, if necessary, and openly and democratically discuss our differences. We have a democratic history in which we come together and vote on these things.

When we talk about fighting for our country, we're talking about our vote, our vote is our arms.

As someone who is in awe and grateful every day to be in a country where freedom of the press, free speech and free elections are a way of life, I am wowed, amazed and excited by the opportunity to moderate a 2012 presidential debate.

This is one of the finest expressions of U. S. democracy at work.

Democracy is more than just election day.

We receive from America the right to vote as Americans, for America's weal, and if we cannot use our privilege as Americans we should surrender it.

Be it bumper stickers on your car, yard signs on your lawn, a letter to your local newspaper or member of Congress, the Internet or a voluntary contribution of your own hard earned money to candidates or party of your choosing, these are all constitutionally protected means of participation in our democracy.

Our constitutional democracy demands our participation, not just every four years, but all the time.

The continued vitality of our Constitution and the survival of each freedom it protects depend upon the right to vote and the vibrant democracy it affords us. In short, the right to vote underlies each of our other rights.

Here is the most important thing for us all to remember, for the sake of our common sanity and safety: In America, the right to vote and democratically elect a president is just as precious and valued as the right to protest and express yourself against that president.

I think it's the height of patriotism to continue to exercise your right as a citizen and to hold your government to account. Isn't that what the very essence of democracy is about?

The right to vote is one of our nation's most important civil rights.

Our democracy works because the parties air and debate their differences in public.

Voting rights matter. They are a major part of who we are as Americans.

Americans need to be engaged and invested in the legislative process that affects their daily lives, otherwise we are just democracy in name only.

Please continue to voice your beliefs, as your participation is the foundation of our country's democracy.

Democracy requires an informed citizenry able to question its government.

The virtue of a democratic system with a [constitutionally guaranteed right to free speech] is that it readily enables the people, over time, to be persuaded that what they took for granted is not so, and to change their laws accordingly.

We have a First Amendment for good reasons. We need a free press because without an educated electorate we cannot have a functioning democracy.

Our constitutional democracy demands our participation, all the time.

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