All of these dangers were recognized and discussed at some length during the deliberations in Philadelphia that resulted in the U.S. Constitution. Of course, the debate wasn’t only informed by the experiences of Greece and Rome but by later scholars and philosophers such as those of the Scottish Enlightenment (Smith, Hume), Locke and Montesquieu to name only some.
Perhaps it was the combination of a large landmass and a rather heterogeneous population that helped avoid the fate of earlier examples of democracy. Perhaps an independent judiciary and an amendment process helped. Maybe it was dumb luck. Maybe all of these dangers above and more.
Yet, whatever the reason, the U.S. democracy stands … even as Benjamin Franklin’s caution still hangs in the air. When asked what type of government was created in Philadelphia in 1787, “A republic, if you can keep it” was his reply. Popular government’s survival ultimately rests on the wisdom and commitment of the people.
‘The argument that the U.S. has been operating under a form of "mob rule" for some time involves the claim that the political system increasingly prioritizes populist, reactionary, and emotionally charged decision-making over the principles of deliberative democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of minority rights. This critique often points to actions by both major political parties, suggesting that they contribute to undermining democratic norms in favor of partisan or populist agendas.
Political polarization has deepened to the extent that both parties prioritize loyalty to their base over consensus-building or governing for the common good. Decision-making is increasingly driven by the emotional passions and demands of partisan constituencies rather than careful deliberation or reasoned compromise.
Both parties often rely on populist strategies, using emotional or fear-based appeals to mobilize their supporters rather than offering nuanced solutions to complex issues.
Both parties have contributed to the erosion of democratic norms and institutions, undermining the rule of law and checks and balances in favor of short-term partisan advantage.
Decision-making is increasingly shaped by loud, vocal factions within the electorate or political elites, resembling mob rule rather than thoughtful governance.
In the rush to satisfy the majority or key constituencies, both parties have sometimes neglected the rights and interests of minorities, undermining one of the cornerstones of democracy.
The media ecosystem, particularly social media, fuels mob-like behavior by amplifying outrage, misinformation, and divisive rhetoric, which both parties exploit.
The "mob rule" argument asserts that emotional, populist, and partisan forces dominate U.S. politics, often at the expense of reasoned debate, institutional norms, and minority rights. While not everyone agrees that this fully constitutes mob rule, critics warn that the trends, if unchecked, could erode democracy further and lead to greater instability.’
Which minority interests are being undermined? The minority that wants to sterilize children and invade women's spaces? That's not mob rule, that's common sense.
We still love the idea of progress in the absence of evidence to support it!
A cyclical view of things at least brings hope that better days are coming. Thanks for this amazing article!
There are a lot of patterns in history, one of them is that things change. With any luck maybe this pattern will change.
All of these dangers were recognized and discussed at some length during the deliberations in Philadelphia that resulted in the U.S. Constitution. Of course, the debate wasn’t only informed by the experiences of Greece and Rome but by later scholars and philosophers such as those of the Scottish Enlightenment (Smith, Hume), Locke and Montesquieu to name only some.
Perhaps it was the combination of a large landmass and a rather heterogeneous population that helped avoid the fate of earlier examples of democracy. Perhaps an independent judiciary and an amendment process helped. Maybe it was dumb luck. Maybe all of these dangers above and more.
Yet, whatever the reason, the U.S. democracy stands … even as Benjamin Franklin’s caution still hangs in the air. When asked what type of government was created in Philadelphia in 1787, “A republic, if you can keep it” was his reply. Popular government’s survival ultimately rests on the wisdom and commitment of the people.
Thankyou for elucidating ("swift shift") some of the history of the ancients. It does seem like the eternal return. All these many centuries later.
Both succinct and oh so timely. Thanks Honor.
Why is it the death of democracy if they just elected a guy you don't like? That just sounds like democracy to me.
Democracy degenerates into mob-rule. It’s right there in the article mate.
Did the oligarchy & representative republic get switched? We are currently an oligarchy which is destroying our republic.
Thanks for sharing
Insightful and timely.
The burden of proof is on you to demonstrate 'mob-rule' here
‘The argument that the U.S. has been operating under a form of "mob rule" for some time involves the claim that the political system increasingly prioritizes populist, reactionary, and emotionally charged decision-making over the principles of deliberative democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of minority rights. This critique often points to actions by both major political parties, suggesting that they contribute to undermining democratic norms in favor of partisan or populist agendas.
Political polarization has deepened to the extent that both parties prioritize loyalty to their base over consensus-building or governing for the common good. Decision-making is increasingly driven by the emotional passions and demands of partisan constituencies rather than careful deliberation or reasoned compromise.
Both parties often rely on populist strategies, using emotional or fear-based appeals to mobilize their supporters rather than offering nuanced solutions to complex issues.
Both parties have contributed to the erosion of democratic norms and institutions, undermining the rule of law and checks and balances in favor of short-term partisan advantage.
Decision-making is increasingly shaped by loud, vocal factions within the electorate or political elites, resembling mob rule rather than thoughtful governance.
In the rush to satisfy the majority or key constituencies, both parties have sometimes neglected the rights and interests of minorities, undermining one of the cornerstones of democracy.
The media ecosystem, particularly social media, fuels mob-like behavior by amplifying outrage, misinformation, and divisive rhetoric, which both parties exploit.
The "mob rule" argument asserts that emotional, populist, and partisan forces dominate U.S. politics, often at the expense of reasoned debate, institutional norms, and minority rights. While not everyone agrees that this fully constitutes mob rule, critics warn that the trends, if unchecked, could erode democracy further and lead to greater instability.’
Which minority interests are being undermined? The minority that wants to sterilize children and invade women's spaces? That's not mob rule, that's common sense.