Do you believe in majority rule?

Answer 1

The problem is that, despite the lack of awareness and the wide-spread ignorance of those whose opinion might be the majority, a less egalitarian decision-making system has no guarantee against pursing an even less-desirable political agenda. In other words, there is really no one else to trust. If we eject majority rule, we then have to choose some form of dictatorship, in which a minority decides for the majority. A more perfect system would reflect the ideals of Madison and Jefferson, and restore the Senate to its proper, unelected position. The Congress is supposed to have two houses, with only one reflecting the opinion of the majority, but this pre-supposes that the Representatives in the House act not as leaders, but instead as proxies. The ‘leaders’ are those in the Senate who, not having to worry about what is popular as they are not concerned about being elected, can be more mindful of what is good for the Republic, despite the whims of the current day’s wishes. Another issue that comes into play is the issue raised by Calhoun of the ‘concurrent majority’ which is the substantial number of people whose opinions cannot be reflected in a system which decides based upon a system of simple majority. For example, suppose an issue has nearly a 50-50 split. Let’s suppose that the final vote is 51 to 49. When the decision is made, a full 49 percent of the voters’ wishes are not represented. While there is no numerical majority, a significant number of people are no longer represented, as if their opinions didn’t matter. Stressing majority rule does, I feel, a dis-service to what ought to be more of a consensus. While arguments can and are made citing the necessity of coming to SOME decision, this emphasis obscures the true aim of politics, which is to find ways in which the greatest good for the greatest number is achieved. Otherwise, the policies put into practice will as a matter of practice, be no more than the will of the few over the many.
The US Constitution as it has developed over the years, lives up to its ideals ONLY as it extends true liberty, not limited only to the extension of the franchise, but more importantly, the extension of the means by which to exercise that liberty. Restrictions on liberties come in many forms, but have always, and most significantly, been extended to the realm of citizens’ economic power. The more impoverished do not and cannot enjoy true liberty, because they do not have the economic security which is its prerequisite. Nor do many, no matter what our personal economic situation, have the background to make well-informed decisions, for that requires that the citizenry is well-informed. Still, and despite the massive success of the various systems of indoctrination in convincing the majority to believe things which are demonstrably false, among the mass of the people is a wisdom and a common-sense which, because there is really no other system as legitimate, must be depended upon as the basis for what can be considered ‘consent’. It is this particular kind of ‘consent’ when balanced against the will of the oligarchy of the un-elected Senate, that is the best means found thus far of according policy to the consensus of the entire polity. Legitimacy is the yardstick, and any system which does not take the will of the majority into serious account suffers from its lack. For good or for bad, it is the only means by which such legitimacy can be obtained.

Answer 2

No, if majority had ruled in the South, Civil Rights would never have been inforced.

Minorities would still not be allowed to vote or get an equal education or go to a public parks or drink out of a public water fountains and so on and so on.

Answer 3

No. I believe in respecting EVERYONE'S rights. Majority rule often overrides the rights of the minority.

Answer 4

i trust in majority rule so long because the overall public is proximate to the minority and ought to bear the leads to their whims being enacted on the minority. I ought to no longer have the means to impression the lives of human beings that do no longer share difficulty-free situations with me.

Answer 5

Depends on the majority....majority of loving honorable people, yes...majority of murderous criminals, no.

Answer 6

If you are referring to the electoral college than NOPE, I believe in the constitution above all else.

Answer 7

Well the majority of people are idiots ... so good luck with that.

Answer 8

Yes.

Answer 9

Yes. And if minorities are unhappy, they are free to leave.