The concept was famously written by Tocqueville: “...in the United States the majority has an immense power in fact and a power of opinion almost as great; and once the majority has formed on a question, there is, so to speak, no obstacle that can, I will not say stop...”
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“...but even slow its course and leave time for the majority to hear the cries of those whom it crushes as it goes. The consequences of this state of affairs are harmful and dangerous for the future.”
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The greatest danger Tocqueville saw to democracy was that public opinion would become an all-powerful force, and that the majority could tyrannize unpopular minorities and marginal individuals. Read it here
http://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/2286#lf1532-02_label_607 …Show this thread -
You can head to Chapter 7, “Of the Omnipotence of the Majority in the United States and Its Effects” to read about this in great detail. The book “Democracy in America” is considered to be one of the most influential books about America ever written.
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andrew.kimmel@gmail.com