Democracy substitutes election by the incompetent many for appointment by the corrupt few.

If Despotism failed only for want of a capable benevolent despot, what chance has Democracy, which requires a whole population of capable voters.

Self-criticism is the secret weapon of democracy, and candor and confession are good for the political soul.

The essence of a republican government is not command. It is consent.

We are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not of the few.

No government is perfect. One of the chief virtues of a democracy, however, is that its defects are always visible and under democratic processes can be pointed out and corrected.

A President and his wise men can only propose; but Congress disposes. It is when President and Congress agree that American history marches forward.

That a peasant may become king does not render the kingdom democratic.

The world must be made safe for democracy. Its peace must be planted on the tested foundations of political liberty.

Democracy: in which you say what you like and do what you're told.