Bad government Quote by Noah Webster
“A pure democracy is generally a very bad government, It is often the most tyrannical government on earth; for a multitude is often rash, and will not hear reason.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Political treatise, early 19th century
He argues that pure democracy often leads to tyranny because the masses can be impulsive and ignore reason.
In simple terms: Democracy can become tyrannical.
Key Takeaway
Balance popular will with checks.
Themes
politics
government
democracy
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- civic education
- public debate
- legislative reform
Key Concepts
tyranny
mass opinion
reasoning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can reason guide popular decisions?
- What safeguards prevent tyranny?
A Different Perspective
Ideal democracy is hard to achieve.
![“The result of cutting [political power] up into little bits is simply that the man who can sweep the greatest number into one heap will govern the rest... In a pure democracy the ruling men will be the wirepullers and their friends; but they will no more be on an equality with the voters than…” quote by James Fitzjames Stephen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/798/james-fitzjames-stephen-29299_bits_the-result-of-cutting-political-power-up_2424141.jpg)
![“Too many in your state [Pennsylvania], as in this [New York], love pure democracy dearly. They seem not to consider that pure democracy, like pure rum, easily produces intoxication, and with it a thousand mad pranks and fooleries.” quote by John Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5f9/john-jay-31836_democracy_too-many-in-your-state-pennsylvania-as-i_2189878.jpg)
![“[T]he Christian religion, in its purity, is the basis, or rather the source of all genuine freedom in government. . . . and I am persuaded that no civil government of a republican form can exist and be durable in which the principles of that religion have not a controlling influence.” quote by Noah Webster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d3/noah-webster-8440_bases_t-he-christian-religion-in-its-purity-is_381346.jpg)
