Promoting and Protecting Minority Rights Essay - 2310 Words

The founding fathers of the United States Constitution suspected that through democracy, a government ruled by the majority, the majority could easily become tyrannical in its usage of unrestricted power. That is, in denying or denoting the rights of certain minority groups. These fathers included Thomas Jefferson who stated in his 1801 Inaugural Address for President of the United States, â€Å"All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.† Despite the possibility of defying majority rule resulting in some†¦show more content†¦Since, Afro-Cubans are unable to voice their discontent of which could lead to a positive change for the group, individual Afro-Cubans continue to be deprived of rights. If that minority group is not granted protection of rights, there remains little reason to grant protection of rights to other minority groups. The founders of the United States despite disagreeing on many other things, did find similar ground in balancing minority rights with majority rule. While on one hand, it seemed reasonable to allow the majority to choose policy, on the other it seemed clear a majority could just as easily abuse a minority as a king could abuse his people if left completely unrestricted. Thomas Jefferson, in his own words stated In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority.† If the federal government did not take strides to protect the minority through the Bill of Rights, and other equally or more sufficient forms, the majority could easily oppress the minority. The history of African-Americans is probably the best example of what occurs when the government doesn’t protect minority rights. One of the distinct phenomenons in government that has occurred within African-American history regarding the minority group’s rights is the institution of slavery. In the beginning of theShow MoreRelatedGlobalization And Its Effects On Culture1087 Words   |  5 PagesGlobalization is commonly examined by simply dissecting its political and economic consequences. As a result, the effects on culture are often overlooked. According to U.S. Census projections, by 2043 non-Hispanic whites will become a minority consisting of 47 percent of the U.S. population (Barreto, et al 1). Examining the world as a whole, a 2015 study by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs/Population Division found that between 1950-2000, an average of 2.8 million peopleRead MoreProtecting The Rights Of Minority Groups1538 Words   |  7 Pagesto find a balance between the preservation of liberty rights, and protecting human rights and promoting equality. 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Different tools might be appropriateRead More Amendments to the Constitution Essay1290 Words   |  6 Pagescountry was being molded and formed into a great nation by the founding fathers. Expectations and rules had to be set to protect the rights of the minorities and majorities. Amendments to the Constitution were written to ensure equality for all in changing times. The First Amendment is one of the most recognized rights in the Bill of Rights. It is a basic right that seems to help define each person as an individual yet as part of an association. The amendment states that â€Å"Congress shall makeRead MoreBusiness And Human Rights : The Evolving International Agenda By John Gerard Ruggie1504 Words   |  7 PagesBusiness and Human Rights: The Evolving International Agenda by John Gerard Ruggie Summary and background This paper analyzes the development of human rights and business in an international view, states the factual issues, and provides strategies to improve the existing realities. The article explains the conceptual challenges to let readers know the basic foundation of international human rights, such as globalization, global value chains, transnational corporate networks, duties and rights. ImportantRead MoreMinority And Majority Rights : Canada1389 Words   |  6 Pages Minority and Majority Rights in Canada Olivia Gomes CLU 4U1 Mr. McCormick Tuesday, November 11, 2014 In recent decades of Canadian history, Canada’s social and political change has rapidly formed visible minority and majority groups- Canada has had formally entrenched a constitution, withstood two attempts by the Quebec’s provincial government to secede from the federation, and undertaken a radical shift in immigration policy that tripled the visible minority population. These changesRead MoreMulticulturalism Is An Essential Symbol Of The Canadian Heritage And Identity Essay1106 Words   |  5 PagesPromoting Multiculturalism: As it is considered that Canada’s officials policy of multiculturalism inspires a diversity of religions as part of the diversity of cultures. The multiculturalism Act 1988 proclaims that â€Å"Multiculturalism is an essential symbol of the Canadian heritage and identity.† The government and the public school system always give effort to promote the sense of multiculturalism. The ideals of the multiculturalism are helping the minorities to breathe their faiths and beliefs