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About this quote

What does it mean?
Government exists to serve the people, not rulers.
In plain terms
Government officials are trustees working for the public good.
What can you take from it?
Government serves the people.

Where it applies

  • elections
  • civic duty
  • policy evaluation

Putting it to work

  • hold leaders accountable
  • vote responsibly
  • serve community

Questions to consider

  • What does public service require?
  • How do you judge leaders?

Another view

Officials may act in self-interest.

More from Henry Clay

  1. All religions united with government are more or less inimical to liberty. All, separated from government, are compatible with liberty.

    Permalink to quote #5
  2. The arts of power and its minions are the same in all countries and in all ages. It marks its victim; denounces it; and excites the public odium and the public…

    Permalink to quote #7
  3. An oppressed people are authorized, whenever they can, to rise and break their fetters.

    Permalink to quote #4

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