The man or woman who does not possess some knowledge of how the country is governed—as has been said—may easily become a prey of persons who are anxious to advance their own interests at the expense of the people.
The things needed for the use and protection of the people are provided by the people through their government.
As a part of the community you enjoy the good roads, streets, schools, libraries and many other things; therefore, you have no right to shirk your duty in not helping to maintain your government. If we enjoy the good things in this life without doing our part to have them we are cowards.
To live in a country and enjoy its freedom, peace and comforts and not do our part toward maintaining such peace and comforts we have failed to do our duty toward our fellowman and government, and may be called a sponger, a coward and a shirker if we fail to vote and do our part toward maintaining our government.
It is not only our duty to vote but we should study and understand public questions so that we can vote intelligently on the issues of the day. We should be interested in the ballot for it is one way in which public opinion may be expressed.
Every man or woman under the protection of our government should feel obligated to give his or her best to make our government one of high ideals.
Plato said: "Only that state is healthy and can thrive which unceasingly endeavors to help the individuals who constitute it."
The United States is both a democracy and a republic.
A democracy means a government by the people.
A republic is a democracy in which the people elect representatives to carry on the government for them.