Dr. Gustav Heinemann Quotes: Powerful Words on Popular Sovereignty and Democracy

„A people that is governed by a power must know the power by which it is governed. The people must direct and control that power. They must step in when it commits crimes; otherwise, the people become accomplices. The foundation of democracy is popular sovereignty, not the authority of a paternalistic state. It is not the citizen who stands in a relationship of obedience to the government; rather, the government is accountable to the citizen for its actions within the framework of the law. The citizen has the right and the duty to call the government to order if he believes that democratic rights are being violated.“

Gustav HeinemannDiscover powerful quotes by Dr. Gustav Heinemann on popular sovereignty, democracy, and the responsibility of every citizen.
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Gustav Heinemann was a German politician of the SPD and served as the President of the Federal Republic of Germany from 1969 to 1974.

A powerful plea for popular sovereignty and the responsibility of every citizen to oversee the government and protect democratic values.


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Quote by Dr. Gustav Heinemann on democracy and popular sovereignty

Gustav Heinemann (1899–1976) was a German lawyer and politician (SPD). He served as President of the Federal Republic of Germany from 1969 to 1974 and was known as a defender of democratic values and fundamental rights in the post-war era.

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