What is the idea of the tyranny of the majority?

The tyranny of the majority (or tyranny of the masses) is an inherent weakness to majority rule in which the majority of an electorate pursues exclusively its own objectives at the expense of those of the minority factions.

Who warned against the tyranny of the majority?

In 1831 an ambitious and unusually perceptive twenty-five-year-old French aristocrat visited the United States. Alexis de Tocqueville’s official purpose was to study the American penal system, but his real interest was America herself.

Who defined democracy as the tyranny of majority?

Alexis de Tocqueville
Alexis de Tocqueville described democracy as the tyranny of the majority. Alexis de Tocqueville is best known for his insightful commentary on American democracy.

What could the tyranny of majority result in answer?

Answer: If a majority is not entitled to do so, then it is thereby deprived of its rights; but if a majority is entitled to do so, then it can deprive the minority of its rights. …

What is Tocqueville’s main thesis?

The core of Tocqueville’s American thesis is the singular combination of the spirit of religion and the spirit of liberty characteristic of the Puritan experiment in America, together with his dual claim that this fact both constitutes the proper starting point for understanding “American civilization” and provides “ …

What could the tyranny of majority result in coercion?

If this majority religious group has access to State power, then it could quite easily use this power and financial resources to discriminate against and persecute persons of other religions. This tyranny of the majority could result in the discrimination, coercion and at times even the killing of religious minorities.

Is it correct if a majority community rules?

Textbook solution If a majority community rules the country, it will not only threaten the interests of the minorities, but will also lead to instability in the long-run. For instance, the civil war in Sri Lanka can be attributed to majoritarian policies. Therefore, majority rule leads to tyranny and instability.

When did the Constitution guard against tyranny?

In 1787, Representatives from almost all the states in the U.S, met in Philadelphia to fix the issue of tyranny. The House presents us to “The Articles of Confederation” to help guard against tyranny.

What is tyranny of the masses in politics?

Related topics. Politics portal. Tyranny of the majority (or tyranny of the masses) refers to an inherent weakness of majority rule in which the majority of an electorate can and does place its own interests above, and at the expense of, those in the minority.

Can the majority Act tyranny in a democracy?

He does not mean that the majority in a democracy always does act tyrannically, only that nothing can prevent it from so doing. He further argues that tendency to accept the rightness of majority opinion has negative long-term consequences on national character and culture.

What are some ways to counter tyranny of the majority?

Tyranny of the majority. In both cases, in a context of a nation, constitutional limits on the powers of a legislative body, and the introduction of a Bill of Rights have been used to counter the problem. A separation of powers (for example a legislative and executive majority actions subject to review by the judiciary)…

Is enforced minoritarianism a form of tyranny?

There is no “enforced minoritarianism “; it seems a legitimate characterization of a relevant (and not dominant) minority. This is a tyranny of the majority situation because: there is relevant voting for a local decision: 6 voters (46\%) are gym room regulars, 5 that voted Y.