William Cronon and Socrates: Civics and education

Individual Freedom in Civics and Education

The major difference between majority rule democracy and republic democracy is how the rights of the minority or the individual are protected . In a majority rule democracy the morals or laws of the majority can be imposed on the few or individual without regard to justice or logic . Whereas , a republic democracy protects the rights and freedoms of individuals and minorities by instituting a system of checks and balances that distribute power over several branches of government and between many elected official . This system makes it

difficult for laws to be imposed on individuals without giving thought to the action Actions must first go through a system of checks and balances , which prevents rash action based on emotions

A tyranny of the majority results when the majority follows the emotions of the moment , and thereby imposes on the rights of the minority . A republic democracy protects the freedom of individuals from being taken by a majority . Strict moral guidelines are set up to protect each individual

A republic democracy encourages individual freedom in much the same way as a liberal education . According to Cronon (1998 , there are several qualities that liberally educated people embody . Cronon defines a liberally educated person as one who listens and hears , reads and understands , talks with anyone , is clear and persuasive , value puzzles and problems , seeks truth , practices tolerance , understands how to get things done in the world , nurtures and empowers others , and connects with people (Cronin , 1998 , p...