In a society,
there may be many different types of people living;
individuals may belong to different ethnic or
racial backgrounds, and they may even belong to
different religious groups. In view of the different
types of people living together in American society,
it is said that all individuals should be protected
by the constitution no matter what their backgrounds
are. The struggle and achievement of the Civil
Rights Movement is an example of how democracy
prevailed. The result of this is that al individuals
no matter what their backgrounds may be are encompassed
by the Bill of Rights, bringing about freedom
for all, which is guaranteed through the Constitution
of the United States.
In light of what the US Constitution asserts,
it must be said that equality of law and rights
of all individuals are maintained under the concept
of Majority Rule with Respect for Minority Rights;
it allows freedom/liberty, and prevents hostilities
such as racism, thereby reinforcing public good.
A Rule of Tolerance is instilled rigidly that
makes possible the principle of equality in a
social contract.
The above approach to governance perhaps cannot
be better described in any other theory other
than John Stuart Mill’s. He asserts that
“The right action is the one that makes
the most people happy” (John Stuart Mill,
2004). However, in this regard it must not be
forgotten that the rights of individuals are not
overlooked. In this regard, it must also be asserted
that there is a toss up between common good and
individual freedom. This means that individual
freedom is asked to compromise for the sake of
the common good. Likewise, there is also a toss
up with regard to public and private interests,
democracy and the republic, the elite and the
suppressed minority, and plurality and majority.
In view of all these relationships here, it must
be asserted that in all instances the US Constitution
asks for individuals, institutions and other forms
of organizations to compromise for the sake of
the common good.
Reinforcing this is Mill, who suggests that
the greatest happiness among people in a society
can be brought about through allowing all individuals
their rights to practice whatever s/he pleases,
provided that no one is affected adversely, directly
or indirectly, by the actions of the individual.
This view also means that access to power is
also a matter of allowing equal opportunity to
all regardless of their backgrounds, and this
principle is reinforced by the US Constitution.
In view of this approach it must be asserted that
there are several examples that are observed in
American society that adhere to the above principle.
Indeed, the recent acceptance of illegal immigrants
is an example; this has been highlighted by the
fact that illegal immigrants are allowed to earn
the minimum wage. Though there are loop-holes
in this allowance, it must be said that this is
a start to accepting the marginalized individuals
or groups in American society.
Another example of rendering minority groups
their rights was demonstrated in the achievement
of equal status and citizenship of the African
Americans and other non-white groups during the
Civil Rights Struggle, Indeed, this was a point
in American history that marked ‘The Concept
of Majority Rule with Respect for Minority Rights’.
This period not only helped those who were non-white,
but it also helped marginalized and disrespected
groups.
In addition to such individuals earning themselves
equal rights, it must also be remembered that
gay and lesbian rights were also granted to individuals
in a similar fashion in the 1990s. Though people
may not even agree with such rights, they also
know that as individuals, these people also have
a right to expression; greater consideration must
also be given to them because no one chooses how
to be born.
In addition to this, it must be asserted that
in recent times (post 11th September times) Muslims
that were targeted in the US have been offered
protection. The president himself has openly asserted
that there are Americans too that are followers
of Islam, and these people need to be respected
as equal citizens of the United States.
In view of the above examples, it must be asserted
that the ‘Concept of Majority Rule with
Respect for Minority Rights’ is truly one
that makes America better place to live than other
countries. This explains why people from many
regions of the world want to come here and make
a living for themselves, as they believe that
they have a chance to lead respectable and peaceful
lives.
References:
Gray, John. Mill’s Conception of Happiness
& the Theory of Individuality. 2004. http://www.revision-notes.co.uk/revision/431.html
John Stuart Mill. Accessed on 10-21-2004. http://citd.scar.utoronto.ca/English/ENGB02Y/Mill.html
Mautner, Thomas. The Penguin Dictionary of Philosophy:
Utilitarianism
Rachels, James. The Elements of Moral Philosophy,
second edition. New York: McGraw Hill, 1993.
Rachels, James. The Right Thing to Do 3 rd ed.
McGraw-Hill.
The Elements of Moral Philosophy. 4th ed. McGraw-Hill.
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