"Half the states have stopped making civics and government a requirement for high school. Half."

"We pay a price when we deprive children of the exposure to the values, principles, and education they need to make them good citizens."

"It matters enormously to a successful democratic society like ours that we have three branches of government, each with some independence and some control over the other two. That's set out in the Constitution."

"We don't accomplish anything in this world alone... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads form one to another that creates something."

"I know my country has not perfected itself. At times, we've struggled to keep the promise of liberty and equality for all of our people. We've made our share of mistakes, and there are times when our actions around the world have not lived up to our best intentions."

"It is a radiant truth that justice is the harmonious balance between individual liberty and collective good."

"The paradox of freedom is that the greatest battles are fought within."

"Justice is the harmonious balance between individual liberty and collective good. Remember this in moments of decisive trial — an essential principle for the reflective life."