All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that…
“All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal laws must protect, and to violate would be oppression.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The majority’s rule is only legitimate when it is reasonable; minorities retain equal rights that law must protect, otherwise it becomes oppression.
In simple terms: Majority must be reasonable; minorities have equal rights.
Key Takeaway
Ensure laws protect minority rights.
Themes
justice
rights
majority
minority
law
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
political
legal
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- court decisions
- civil rights activism
- policy debates
- public protests
Key Concepts
democracy
legal equality
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies define “reasonable” majority will?
- What safeguards prevent majority oppression?
A Different Perspective
Reasonableness is subjective and can be contested.