Topic: Democracy, Matches 14 quotes.

The Will of the Majority

There is a principle lying at the very foundation of this Church, and it is at the foundation of this government as well, for in the laying of the foundation of this government it was conceded that it would be impossible for us to go forward unless it was agreed that the will of the majority, expressed in law, must be regarded as the rule governing the conduct of the minority as well. Hence our Constitution came into existence.

It is so in this Church. No man is muzzled. President Grant does not muzzle his brethren. He seeks for all the light and wisdom that they have. But there is also a rule that when we reach a conclusion the decision of the majority obtains, and it is the duty of the minority, either in the government or in this great American church that is also builded upon this same glorious principle, that we obey the will of the majority expressed in law.

Source: Elder Melvin J. Ballard
General Conference, October 1934

Topics: Democracy

One of the weaknesses of present government is a breakdown in what we call democracy; and the great peoples of Europe, from whom practically all of this audience have come, are looking about for a substitute, and some of them are trying substitutes by way of dictatorships and what not. They are anxious to find a cure for the weaknesses that have expressed themselves in democratic institutions. Indeed, in the thought of many observers, democracy is on trial.

Source: Dr. Elmer G. Petersohn
General Conference, October 1932

Topics: Democracy

Democracy extends the sphere of individual freedom, socialism restricts it. Democracy attaches all possible value to each man; socialism makes each man a mere agent, a mere number. Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word: equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude.

Source: Alexis de Tocqueville

Topics: Democracy

Perhaps the fact that we have seen millions voting themselves into complete dependence on a tyrant has made our generation understand that to choose one’s government is not necessarily to secure freedom.

Source: F. A. Hayek

Topics: Democracy; Government, Loss of Freedom

Edmund Randolph of Virginia described the effort to deal with the issue at the Constitutional Convention:

“The general object was to produce a cure for the evils under which the United States labored; that in tracing these evils to their origins, every man had found it in the turbulence and follies of democracy.”

Source: Edmun Randolph

Topics: Democracy; US Constitution

•  ⟨⟨ 
•  ⟨ 
•   |  
•  ⟩ 
•  ⟩⟩