The phrase "tyranny of the majority" (or "tyranny of the masses"), used in discussing systems of democracy and majority rule, envisions a scenario in which decisions made by a majority place its interests so far above those of an individual or minority group as to constitute active oppression, comparable to that of tyrants and despots. In many cases a disliked ethnic, religious or racial group is deliberately penalized by the majority element acting through the democratic process.
Limits on the decisions that can be made by majorities, as through supermajority rules, constitutional limits on the powers of a legislative body, or the introduction of a Bill of Rights, have been used to counter the problem. A separation of powers has also been implemented to limit the force of the majority in a single legislative chamber.
Read more about Tyranny Of The Majority: Term, Public Choice Theory, Vote Trading, Concurrent Majority
Famous quotes containing the words tyranny of the, tyranny of, tyranny and/or majority:
“Speak against unconscious oppression,
Speak against the tyranny of the unimaginative,
Speak against bonds.”
—Ezra Pound (1885–1972)
“Speak against unconscious oppression,
Speak against the tyranny of the unimaginative,
Speak against bonds.”
—Ezra Pound (1885–1972)
“... the idea of a classless society is ... a disastrous mirage which cannot be maintained without tyranny of the few over the many. It is even more pernicious culturally than politically, not because the monolithic state forces the party line upon its intellectuals and artists, but because it has no social patterns to reflect.”
—Agnes E. Meyer (1887–1970)
“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.”
—John Caldwell Calhoun (1782–1850)