"No government demands so much from the citizens as democracy and none gives so much back?" What does it mean/ analyze it

The quote is by Irish historian and Politican James Bryce.

With the quote, Bryce is explaining that in democracy, citizens not only have political rights, but are also expected to engage actively in the political process: by voting for their representatives, by keeping an eye on public affairs, and so on.

At the same time, Bryce is saying that citizen dedication to democracy results in benefits for the people: the benefit of political freedom and civil liberties, and also the benefit of a better life made possible under this political system.

“the iliad” (gr: “iliás”) is an epic poem by the ancient greek poet homer, which recounts some of the significant events of the final weeks of the trojan war and the greek siege of the city of troy (which was also known as ilion, ilios or ilium in ancient times).