Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Does honesty shape Democracy?
From day one, Barack Obama's administration aimed for an unprecedented level of transparency in government processes. The day after his inauguration, he signed five executive orders and presidential memorandums to achieve this goal. Among them included a mandate for an Open Government Directive, new guidelines for Freedom of Information Act requests, and increased public access to presidential records. These early actions demonstrated a commitment to an accessible and honest government for the American people.
In this clip, the former President emphasizes that a democracy's strength lies in its integrity noting, “for our democracy to work… it matters that our leaders try to be as honest as possible and as transparent as possible, and that our politics aren't designed to exploit divisions, but are designed to elevate debate and to create a sense of a common bond around a common creed.”
President Obama emphasized the need for leaders to foster a "common bond" through a transparent government. How much does a leader's transparency influence your trust in a democratic system? Share your ideas in the comments!
This clip is part of "A Democracy Minute," where we offer 1-minute videos to spark discussions on the importance of exercising democracy. Our latest installment focuses on leadership.
Educators: access free teaching resources at our website and watch our full interview with President Obama on YouTube—link in bio.
Does honesty shape Democracy?
From day one, Barack Obama's administration aimed for an unprecedented level of transparency in government processes. The day after his inauguration, he signed five executive orders and presidential memorandums to achieve this goal. Among them included a mandate for an Open Government Directive, new guidelines for Freedom of Information Act requests, and increased public access to presidential records. These early actions demonstrated a commitment to an accessible and honest government for the American people.
In this clip, the former President emphasizes that a democracy's strength lies in its integrity noting, “for our democracy to work… it matters that our leaders try to be as honest as possible and as transparent as possible, and that our politics aren't designed to exploit divisions, but are designed to elevate debate and to create a sense of a common bond around a common creed.”
President Obama emphasized the need for leaders to foster a "common bond" through a transparent government. How much does a leader's transparency influence your trust in a democratic system? Share your ideas in the comments!
This clip is part of "A Democracy Minute," where we offer 1-minute videos to spark discussions on the importance of exercising democracy. Our latest installment focuses on leadership.
Educators: access free teaching resources at our website and watch our full interview with President Obama on YouTube—link in bio.
