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Amid the din of party strife the people's choice was made, but its attendant circumstances have demonstrated anew the strength and safety of a government by the people. In each succeeding year it more clearly appears that our democratic principle needs no apology, and that in its fearless and faithful application is to be found the surest guaranty of good government. But the best results in the operation of a government wherein every citizen has a share largely depend upon a proper limitation of purely partisan zeal and effort and a correct appreciation of the time when the heat of the partisan should be merged in the patriotism of the citizen.

Grover Cleveland#7

PoliticsDemocracyCitizenshipUnityPatriotism

About this quote

What does it mean?
Democracy works best when citizens prioritize patriotism over partisan zeal.
In plain terms
Good government needs citizens to love their country more than their party.
What can you take from it?
Put national interest above party loyalty for better democracy.

Where it applies

  • elections
  • civic education
  • political discourse

Putting it to work

  • encourage bipartisan cooperation
  • promote civic values

Questions to consider

  • How do we balance party and country?
  • What defines good citizenship?

Another view

Party loyalty is often necessary for political organization and change.

More from Grover Cleveland

  1. A truly American sentiment recognizes the dignity of labor and the fact that honor lies in honest toil. Contented labor is an element of national prosperity. A…

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  2. The laws and the entire scheme of our civil rule, from the town meeting to the State capitals and the national capital, is yours. Your every voter, as surely a…

    Permalink to quote #8
  3. WHATEVER YOU DO, TELL THE TRUTH.

    Permalink to quote #5

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