U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor voiced cautious optimism about the state of American democracy in a televised interview this week, stressing that the republic endures so long as citizens remain engaged and active participants in self-governance.
Speaking with ABC News’ Linsey Davis, Sotomayor reflected on warnings from constitutional scholars about a possible democratic crisis but said she finds hope in the visible energy of civic engagement.
When asked directly if democracy remains strong, Sotomayor responded with a historical reminder:
“Benjamin Franklin, when he came out of the Constitutional Convention one day, was asked by a woman, what kind of government did we have? Did we have a monarchy? And he explained, no, we have a republic if you can keep it, madam. … Democracy does not survive unless the people in it understand that they are the agents of law, that they are the ones that decide the world they live in. And so for me, is it at risk? It can be if people take our democracy for granted. But I see lots of people taking stands … As long as I continue to see that, then I have hope.”
Her remarks come as scholars and political observers debate whether under the current Trump administration, institutional pressures—including disputes over executive power, election laws, and judicial independence—pose long-term risks to constitutional governance.
Promoting a New Book Rooted in Family Lessons
Justice Sotomayor’s comments were part of her public appearances promoting her latest children’s book, “Just Shine: How to Be Your Best You.” The book recounts lessons learned from her mother, Celina, and is available in English and Spanish, with the audiobook narrated by singer Gloria Estefan.
“Themes of love, care, and attention are at the heart of this story,” Sotomayor explained in a separate interview with CBS Mornings. She credited her mother as her greatest teacher:
“It is parents who are your first teacher and the longest lasting teacher in terms of the lessons you take.”
Through both her judicial work and her writing, Sotomayor continues to highlight the role of individual responsibility in shaping a just society—whether in constitutional law or in children’s moral education.
Broader Legal Significance
Sotomayor’s comments also underscore a longstanding principle in American law: that the Constitution’s durability rests on civic participation and public accountability. Legal scholars often cite Franklin’s “if you can keep it” admonition as a reminder that the rule of law requires more than courts and statutes—it requires active engagement by the governed.
Her remarks are particularly salient as courts across the country confront challenges involving election administration, voting rights, and the scope of executive authority, issues that directly test the strength of democratic norms.
