English

Noun

dictatorship of the majority ‎(plural dictatorships of the majority)

1. (politics) A situation in which a government or other authority democratically supported by a majority of its subjects makes policies or takes actions benefiting that majority, without regard for the rights or welfare of the rest of its subjects.
   • 1897, American Fabian, vol. 3-4, p. 14:

     As to the reproach that Socialists desire either the dictatorship of the proletariat over the higher classes—or the dictatorship of the majority over the minority, Herr Liebknecht successfully disposes of these accusations.

   • 1985, Alex Callinicos, "Repressive toleration revisited" in Aspects of Toleration J. Horton and S. Mendus eds., ISBN 9780416392906, p. 64:

     Both the Jacobins and Lenin believed in a temporary dictatorship of the majority over counterrevolutionary minorities.

   • 2005, John Coakley and Michael Gallagher, Politics in the Republic of Ireland, ISBN 9780415280679, p. 67:

     The ease with which the will of the greater number may be translated into the dictatorship of the majority has not yet become the subject of public debate.

Synonyms

• tyranny of the majority

Translations