Internet: Knowledge and Community

at The Evergreen State College

Majoritarianism

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Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson speak of majoritarianism in the context of procedural democracy in this way, "members of a sovereign society agree to be governed by the will of a majority or their accountable representatives." Gutmann and Thompson further this position by an appeal to our morality, "majority rules institutionalizes the idea that the claims of every person count equally in deciding which way the political community of which they are each a part should move".

If we allow majoritarianism to be measured against the backdrop of morality and political equality then substantive arguments in opposition could be presented. The very basis for saying disagreements cannot be resolved between citizens, "presumes that the moral claims of each citizen deserve respect. In addition, structural issues of majoritarianism surface when analyzed through the lens of voting and permanent minorities. Insular minorities are rarely represented in interest groups capable of leveraging political procedures. It is this failing that gives rise to moral conflict and leaves citizens of equal right living a life of adopted moral values. However many arguments not addressed here speak to the efficacy of majoritarianism, moreover the alternatives to procedural democracy and majority rules as Dahl states, "are also seriously flawed."