majority tyranny

The "tyranny of the majority" describes a situation where a majority group unfairly treats a minority group within a democratic country. Historically, the concept of tyranny, particularly in the Greco-Roman world, referred to an autocratic ruler with absolute power, not necessarily a negative one. However, the modern understanding of tyranny is generally pejorative, implying illegitimate or oppressive rule.12

The fear of a majority tyrannizing minorities, especially concerning property rights, was a significant concern for early democratic thinkers like James Madison. While some, like John Stuart Mill and Alexis de Tocqueville, coined the phrase "tyranny of the majority," others, like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, argued that majorities could also be capable of tyranny.34

Modern democracies have implemented various checks and balances to mitigate the risk of majority tyranny. These include bills of rights, supermajority requirements for certain legislation, separation of powers, judicial review, federalism, and proportional representation. These mechanisms aim to ensure that while the majority's will is respected, the fundamental rights of minorities are protected.3