[pchangr]

I remember a professor once told us “democracy might not be the best kind of government. It’s just the best we have found to organize a peaceful power transition”. And .. to this date .. I agree .. it’s not about making the best decision.. it just allows us to come to a decision on a seemingly fair process.

[dredmorbius]

Given the Weberian definition of government I'm wont to go on about, democracy optimises for legitimacy, rather than optimal decisionmaking, speed, efficiency, or any number of other possible goals.

[jfengel]

But it doesn't do that. It allows a majority to do whatever it wants, including redefine the rules to guarantee its permanent majority.

Or the rules are written to avoid that, in which case the power rests with the minority who is happiest with the status quo.

It works only if most people don't want to push their advantages to the limits. But if men were angels, there would be no need of laws. The system will always fall prey to whoever is most willing to push their advantage as far as it will go.