It is the besetting vice of democracies to substitute…
“It is the besetting vice of democracies to substitute public opinion for law. This is the usual form in which the masses of men exhibit their tyranny.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Democracies risk replacing law with majority opinion, leading to tyranny of the masses.
In simple terms: Majority rule can become tyranny.
Key Takeaway
Guard law against populist excess.
Themes
political theory
democracy
tyranny
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- elections
- public policy debates
- civil protests
Key Concepts
majority rule
legal safeguards
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect minority rights?
- What mechanisms keep law independent?
A Different Perspective
Popular opinion can be informed, not tyrannical.