How Did Theodore Roosevelt's View Of Self Government

Within all democracies, a government’s power and sovereignty lie with its citizens. Undoubtedly, there lies an importance with the virtue and character of the citizenry, as they are inherently responsible for dictating the direction of a government’s policy and laws. Over the course of American history, many politicians and scholars have come to similar conclusions regarding the importance of moral citizens. However, statesmen have shared varying levels of concern for government’s role in developing such citizens. Some of the first groups to debate this were the Antifederalists and Federalists. The latter of which was willing to rely on the structures of government to express popular will and opinion in order to lead the nation in a virtuous

Certainly, this is one of the reasons why Roosevelt was a proponent for plebiscitary democracy and proposals like referendum initiatives and the direct election of senators. This sentiments are expressed best in his speech on “The Right of People to Rule”, where Roosevelt claims, I believe in the right of people to rule. I believe the majority of the plain people of the United States will, day in and day out, make fewer mistakes In governing themselves than any smaller class or body of men…”(Roosevelt 1). Essentially, Roosevelt believes that people are capable of self-rule within the government, and that the majority of average Americans will tend to promote moral, moderate policy and values without the need for additional intervention. Here, Roosevelt seems to share a similar philosophy to that of the Federalists, where he is willing to rely on the government and democracy to filter out immoral people and

Roosevelt (FDR), would advocate a similar philosophy in terms of civic virtue. However, like his predecessors, FDR feared the sense of declining virtue in society, and wanted to expand the emphasis being placed on citizen’s obligations to their community and country. In accepting his nomination for president, FDR expressed his fears regarding society, stating that, “…we have come through a period of loose thinking, descending morals, an era of selfishness, among individual men and women and among Nations”(Roosevelt 658). Similar to Theodore Roosevelt, FDR clearly felt a level of concerning regarding the direction of the citizenry and country. In terms of the citizen’s role within government, believed in popular mobilization where government would act based on the will of the people. As a result, FDR believes it is imperative to dedicate the U.S., “… to the policy of the good neighbor-the neighbors who resolutely respects himself and…respects the rights of others-the neighbor who respects his obligations and respects the sanctity of his agreements…” (“Inaugural Address” 14). Ultimately, FDR believes it is necessary for citizens to focus on social justice and general welfare more than their selfish interests, and argues the government can help in achieving this goal. Again, like Theodore Roosevelt, FDR believes the government can help shape and polish public opinion to create good governance. This ideology is expressed in his