A core tenet of democratic governance is the principle that decisions are made by the greater number of participants. This concept ensures that the preferences of the larger group are generally reflected in policy and legislation. However, this approach is balanced by the equally critical need to protect fundamental entitlements and freedoms for all individuals, regardless of their demographic status or political alignment. For example, even if a majority desires to restrict certain forms of speech, the existence of protected fundamental freedoms ensures that those expressing dissenting views are not unduly silenced.
The existence of safeguards for vulnerable groups is essential for preventing potential oppression and ensuring a just and equitable society. Without such protections, numerically dominant factions could marginalize or even disenfranchise less powerful groups. History provides numerous examples of instances where the unchecked power of the larger populace has resulted in severe injustices inflicted upon those holding different beliefs or belonging to different ethnic or social backgrounds. The absence of these safeguards can lead to social unrest and instability, undermining the legitimacy of the governing system itself.
