Civil Disobedience

Why does Thoreau believe that "a government in which the majority rule in all cases cannot be based on justice, even as far as men understand it"?

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Last updated by jill d #170087
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I think the main idea of the quote revolves around the abuse the majority can inflict on a minority if there are no checks and balances. Thoreau believed in constitutional guarantees of rights and a judicial system that would prevent the oppression of others by a majority.

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http://www.gradesaver.com/civil-disobedience/q-and-a/why-does-thoreau-believe-that-a-government-in-which-the-majority-rule-in-all-cases-cannot-be-based-on-justice-even-as-far-as-men-understand-it-278619