The Government of the absolute majority instead of the Government of the people is but the Government of the strongest interests; and when not efficiently checked, it is the most tyrannical and oppressive that can be devised.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Rule by a majority can be as tyrannical as rule by a king if unchecked.
- In plain terms
- Majority rule without checks can oppress minorities just like a dictatorship.
- What can you take from it?
- Unchecked majority power is dangerous.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you protect rights from the majority?
Another view
Minority interests can also be oppressive in other ways.
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