Читать книгу American Democracy in Context - Joseph A. Pika - Страница 19

The widespread adoption of democracy in the later twentieth century probably stems ultimately from a basic human need for respect. Even if democracy is imperfect as practiced, the aspiration toward a more democratic form of government implies that all people are of equal worth and, at least in principle, have a right to be heard. Certainly, this aspiration has been present throughout American history and has led to a perception, both among Americans and worldwide, that the United States is a moral leader of the world. Translating the aspiration into practice, however, presents obvious difficulties. Democracies face two difficulties in particular—the problem of ensuring majority rule and the problem of protecting minority rights.