Primary Source Text Speech on Government & Public Duty • Historical Excerpt

Public Office and the People

“When we consider the scope of government, the influence it has on the daily lives of the people, and the power it holds over public welfare, we must remember that the people themselves are the rulers.

They are entitled to demand honesty and good faith from their public servants. The people have the right to insist that those who govern them shall keep their promises and serve the nation, not their own interests.

The duty of public officers is to exercise their powers for the good of all citizens. Public office is a public trust, not a reward for party service. The government must be administered with fairness and justice, avoiding waste and corruption.

I believe that reform in the administration of the government is not only a high duty but a solemn obligation. We must correct past abuses and preserve the integrity of our public institutions.

Let us remember that the strength of our nation lies not in favoritism or privilege, but in the virtue, intelligence, and patriotism of its people.”

Comprehension Tabs
Question view mode

Questions in each tab refer to the passage above. All questions are multiple choice. The answer choices are similar in length so students must rely on understanding, not guessing by length.

1. Which statement best expresses the central idea of this passage?

Main idea: public office belongs to the people, and it must be used honestly for the good of all.

2. According to the passage, what are the people “entitled to demand” from their public servants?

Detail: the people may demand “honesty and good faith” from those who govern them.

3. What does the author say is the “duty of public officers”?

Detail: public officers must act “for the good of all citizens” with fairness and justice.

4. What specific problems does the author say government must avoid?

Detail: the government should be run “avoiding waste and corruption.”