2.6 Tyranny of the Majority

When designing the Constitution, Madison and other framers worried not only about tyranny from a king or dictator but also about the danger of a majority suppressing minority interests. This problem is called the tyranny of the majority. In a pure democracy, the will of the majority could override the rights of smaller groups, leading to unfair or oppressive outcomes.

To guard against this, the Constitution built in protections such as the separation of powers, a bicameral legislature, judicial review, federalism, and the Bill of Rights.

While minority voices are often silenced in practice, these safeguards make it harder for majority rule to permanently override their rights. By slowing down decision making and requiring compromise, the system helps government policies balance a wider range of interests.