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About this quote

What does it mean?
In a democratic republic, the voices of the people cannot and should not be silenced by the government.
In plain terms
You cannot silence the people in a free government.
What can you take from it?
Protect free speech to maintain a healthy republic.

Where it applies

  • political debate
  • civil rights discussions
  • governance

Putting it to work

  • defend press freedom
  • support voting rights

Questions to consider

  • How do you balance free speech with public safety?
  • When should a government limit public voice?

Another view

Total freedom of speech can sometimes lead to unrest or harmful rhetoric.

More from George Washington

  1. If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must…

    Permalink to quote #90
  2. It may be laid down as a primary position and is the basis of our system that every citizen who enjoys the protection of a free government owes not only a port…

    Permalink to quote #92
  3. If this nation expects to be ignorant and free it expects what never was and what will never be.

    Permalink to quote #89

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