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Home > Sociology > What is the Difference Between Democracy and Mobocracy?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Democracy and Mobocracy?

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Democracy and mobocracy are two distinct concepts in the realm of government and political systems.

Democracy is a system of government by the whole population, usually through elected representatives. The people have the sole power and the right to elect their representatives. Democracy aims at a classless form of society, giving equal rights to the public. Some key features of democracy include:

  • Rule by the majority through elected representatives
  • Upholding of existing laws and rules
  • Protection of individual rights and liberties

Mobocracy, on the other hand, is a form of government where the people do not have the power to elect their representatives or decide on policies. Instead, the power lies with a mob that rules over public affairs. Mobocracy is not a classless form of government and does not provide equal rights to every member of the public. Some characteristics of mobocracy include:

  • Rule by a mob or mass of people, often intimidating legitimate authorities
  • Absence or impairment of procedurally civil and democratic processes
  • Tyranny of the majority, where the mob's passions and beliefs ignore all considerations, including existing laws and rules

In summary, the main difference between democracy and mobocracy lies in the way power is exercised and the protection of individual rights. In a democracy, power is vested in elected representatives, and individual rights are respected and upheld. In contrast, mobocracy is characterized by the rule of a mob that may ignore laws and individual rights, leading to potential chaos and instability.

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  • What is the Difference Between Democracy and Mobocracy?
  • Comparative Table: Democracy vs Mobocracy

    • Comparative Table: Democracy vs Mobocracy

    Here is a table comparing the differences between democracy and mobocracy:

    Feature Democracy Mobocracy
    Definition Democracy is a system of government by the whole population, usually through elected representatives. The people have the sole power and the right to elect their representatives. Mobocracy is a form of government wherein people do not have the power to elect their representatives. The power is with the mob that rules over public affairs.
    Power Source Power is with the people who elect representatives. Power is with the mob that rules over public affairs.
    Equal Rights Equal rights are given to the public in a democratic society. Equal rights are not given to every member of the public; the rights lay with the mob alone.
    Class Structure Democracy aims at a classless form of society. A mobocratic form of government is not classless and is not tolerant.
    Rule of Law Democracy is characterized by the absence or impairment of a procedurally civil and democratic rule of law. Mobocracy is characterized by the absence or impairment of a procedurally civil and democratic rule of law.

    Democracy is a system of government where the power lies with the people who elect their representatives, aiming for a classless and tolerant society with equal rights for all. On the other hand, mobocracy is a form of government where the power lies with the mob that rules over public affairs, not giving equal rights to every member of the public and not being a classless or tolerant society.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.