"Democracy Leads to Despotism"

         Democracy is founded upon the idea that all members of a population have an equal influence over the decisions made by their elected officials regarding the state of the country in which they reside. By this definition Plato’s statement is untrue. Taking for example the United States government, in the long run people are able to replace a leader with which they are discontent. Even on a small scale we are at all times allowed to publicly voice our opposition. If a society feels tyrannized, such aspects become an outlet for change and disallow despotism. That’s not to say democracies are exempt from exhibiting despotic tendencies. Prior to the Progressive Era the US government was widely corrupt as a result of political machines and a heavy influence from wealthy corporations who monopolized business and exploited workers. Broadly interpreted, this shows a powerful minority retaining control over a majority of the population, something close to the definition of despotism. However, the country underwent drastic reform with the election of a progressive president, an action of democracy. Because it does allow for constant change as influenced by a population, democracy is highly unlikely to lead to despotism.