What John Stuart Mill thinks about democracy

@john-stuart-mill · 72 positions · On ppll ↗

Philosopher (1806 to 1873), a utilitarian and liberal; worked for the East India Company for almost thirty-five years; elected Member of Parliament for Westminster in 1865.

John Stuart Mill did not write this page.

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Only John Stuart Mill on democracy. See everyone on democracy

3 dated positions, c. 1861, in their own words. Our reading of what John Stuart Mill has said — not written or endorsed by them.

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1. c. 1861

   Our readingA great danger of democracy is class legislation serving the dominant class

   government

   Their wordsOne of the greatest dangers, therefore, of democracy, as of all other forms of government, lies in the sinister interest of the holders of power: it is the danger of class legislation, of government intended for (whether really effecting it or not) the immediate benefit of the dominant class, to the lasting detriment of the whole.

   ↗Considerations on Representative Government (1861)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book

3. c. 1861

   Our readingWithout adequate representation of minorities there is only a false show of democracy

   Their wordsIt is an essential part of democracy that minorities should be adequately represented. No real democracy, nothing but a false show of democracy, is possible without it.

   ↗Considerations on Representative Government (1861)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book

5. c. 1861

   Our readingIf other questions are rightly settled, whether parliament has one chamber or two matters little

   Their wordsFor my own part, I set little value on any check which a Second Chamber can apply to a democracy otherwise unchecked; and I am inclined to think that if all other constitutional questions are rightly decided, it is of comparatively little importance whether the Parliament consists of two Chambers or only of one.

   ↗Considerations on Representative Government (1861)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book