Question

Even though democracy is the will of the majority, why is it important that democratic processes respect and protect minorities?

A) Because it ensures that minorities have more power than the majority
B) Because it prevents the majority from expressing their opinions
C) Because it promotes fairness, equality, and the protection of individual rights
D) Because it allows the majority to impose their views on the minority

Answer 1

In a democracy, it's crucial to respect and protect minorities to ensure fairness, equality, and protection of individual rights, preventing the tyranny of the majority.

Step-by-step explanation:

Even though democracy is the will of the majority, it is important that democratic processes respect and protect minorities because it promotes fairness, equality, and the protection of individual rights. Majoritarianism runs the risk of creating policies that benefit the majority while suppressing the rights of minorities. Thus, democracies have mechanisms such as constitutions, separation of powers, and an independent judiciary to protect the rights of all citizens, ensuring that no group, even if it is in the minority, can be stripped of fundamental rights and liberties. By upholding the rights of minorities, democracies prevent the tyranny of the majority and work towards a fair society where every person's rights are valued and protected.