Question

Who among the following political thinkers considered democracy to be "the tyranny of the majority"?

• A. Alexis de Tocqueville
• B. James Madison
• C. James Mill
• D. Jeremy Bentham

Hint:

Tocqueville’s "Democracy in America" discusses how a majority can overpower the rights of minorities in democratic societies.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding Tocqueville’s perspective.
- Alexis de Tocqueville is known for his critique of democracy in his work "Democracy in America." He warned that in a democracy, the majority could impose its will on minorities, resulting in the "tyranny of the majority."
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) Alexis de Tocqueville: Correct. Tocqueville is famous for highlighting this issue in his study of American democracy.
- (B) James Madison: Madison was concerned about majority rule but did not use the term "tyranny of the majority."
- (C) James Mill: Mill emphasized the importance of individual liberty, but he did not directly use the phrase "tyranny of the majority."
- (D) Jeremy Bentham: Bentham was a proponent of utilitarianism, but his views did not focus on "tyranny of the majority."
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) Alexis de Tocqueville.