Democracy and Majority Rule

A basic principle of democracy is majority rule and the protection of individual and minority rights, which, although seemingly contradictory, are the very foundation of democratic government (Constitutional; USINFO). Majority rule is a means of organizing government and deciding public issues without taking away the basic rights and freedoms of minority groups or individuals. Majority rule is spelled out in the 12th Amendment, and in Article 2 of the Constitution. Minorities, by virtue of their religion, ethnic background, geographic location, income level or as the losers in elections - are guaranteed basic human rights that no government or majority should remove. With their rights guaranteed, minorities can contribute to their country's democratic institutions. Democracies understand that protecting the rights of minorities to uphold cultural identity, social practices, individual consciences and religious activities is one of their primary tasks. Democracies realize that diversity can be an asset and treat differences in identity, culture and values as a challenge that can strengthen them rather than be a threat.

"Democracy entails not just majority rule, but protection of minority rights," said L. Paul Bremer III, Administrator, Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq (The Black). He made this statement after giving a very optimistic yearend review to the American occupation of Iraq. The American allegiance to the protection of minority rights was an effort t

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Category: Philosophy - D