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About this quote

What does it mean?
Keating argues that no legitimate leader should be able to overturn a democratically elected government.
In plain terms
Elected governments should not be dismissed by self-appointed rulers.
What can you take from it?
Democracy requires respecting the will of voters.

Where it applies

  • political disputes
  • constitutional crises
  • leadership challenges

Putting it to work

  • defend electoral results
  • question undue influence
  • protect democratic institutions

Questions to consider

  • What limits should exist on challenging election outcomes?
  • Who decides if a government is illegitimate?

Another view

This ignores scenarios where a government might be legally removed for misconduct.

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