Modern democracies: their strengths, their challenges, and the citizen’s role

Modern democracies: their strengths, their challenges, and the citizen’s role

  • The majority rules, but the Constitution limits how much power the majority can exercise over the minority.
  • Majorities can enforce ideas and policies that ignore reality. Only the Constitution, not truth, limits what they can do.
  • A democratic republic requires more from its citizens than a monarchy or oligarchy.
  • Monarchies and oligarchies are more easily corrupted than a democracy, but democracies are not incorruptible.
  • Properly functioning democratic republics require citizens to see their relationship with the government as more than transactional.
  • The best check against a large majority is a vocal and active minority.
  • Unless facts are overwhelming (and even then, it’s no guarantee), democratic majorities are more easily swayed by emotion than logic.
  • Rhetoric is the lubricant that keeps the gears of a proper-functioning democratic republic moving.
  • In 200 years, modern democracies have done more for human progress and well-being than any other form of government.

Patrick N.

Brand and Product Design Director | Senior Product Designer + User Experience

1 个月
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Barbara Gehlen

Media has been always been a passion.

1 个月

Thanks Mike. Great perspective. Sanity might stand a chance after all……

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Ka Vang, MS

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access Champion | News Columnist | Creative Writer

1 个月

wise words

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