--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In a democracy, there is no check against…" description: "\"“In a democracy, there is no check against despotism, because the principle of democracy is supposed to be itself a check. But it guarantees only that ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/619/b-f-skinner-2-27274_quote_in-a-democracy-there-is-no-check-against_1005542.jpg" --- # In a democracy, there is no check against despotism… ![“In a democracy, there is no check against despotism, because the principle of democracy is supposed to be itself a check. But it guarantees only that the majority will not be despotically ruled.” quote by B.F. Skinner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/619/b-f-skinner-2-27274_quote_in-a-democracy-there-is-no-check-against_1005542.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/619/b-f-skinner-2-27274_quote_in-a-democracy-there-is-no-check-against_1005542.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/619/b-f-skinner-2-27274_quote_in-a-democracy-there-is-no-check-against_1005542.jpg) > ““In a democracy, there is no check against despotism, because the principle of democracy is supposed to be itself a check. But it guarantees only that the majority will not be despotically ruled.”” [B.F. Skinner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-f-skinner-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Democracy is intended to self‑regulate, yet it often lacks mechanisms to prevent majority tyranny. **In simple terms:** Democracy can become a tool for majority oppression. Key Takeaway Build safeguards against majority tyranny. Themes politics democracy power dynamics Mood cautionary thoughtful Type political philosophical When to use this quote - legislative reform - civic education - media oversight Key Concepts checks and balances majority rule minority rights institutional design Questions to Reflect On - How can minorities protect themselves? - What structures ensure true democratic balance? A Different Perspective Majorities can still dominate without proper checks. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Democracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy/) [Democracy Check](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy-check-2150536/) [Democracy Supposed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy-supposed-230695/) [Despotism Principle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/despotism-principle-2150537/) [Principle Democracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principle-democracy-1111041/) ## Related quotes > [Are we Pakistanis, children of a lesser God? 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