Question

whats the meaning of "The tyranny of a prince is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy."

Answer 1

Answer:

Here an autocracy is being compared with democracy

Explanation:

the ill treatment of public by ruler is being considered less dangerous than ill treatment of citizens in a democracy as democracy is for the citizen and not to harm it.

Answer 2

This statement is a part of a quote by the French philosopher Montesquieu that reads 'The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy.'

• This statement is a comment on the importance of the participation of citizens in governance and decision-making. Montesquieu wrote this while referring to the decline of the Roman Empire, which happened due to the growing disinterest of the population in the political affairs of the country.

• It is true that the tyrannical rule of the monarchy is, for the most part, contradictory to the idea of public welfare since the rulers usually abuse their power. However, in these cases, they are overthrown when the general public wages a revolution against them and sets up a legitimate and accountable responsible.

• However, in a democracy, which is a government by the people, of the people and for the people, if the population of citizens reduces for some reason, then there will be no one left to check the government's abuse of power and hold them accountable for actions, despite having elected them.

• Hence, in order to preserve the spirit of democracy and honest governance, citizen participation is a must. This includes being an active voter and being aware of the political scenario of the country.