Scanning over this thread:
Democracy is two-parted: representation of the majority and protection of the minority. Both parts are of equal and extreme importance. The legislative branch exists to represent the wants and desires of the majority. Being held to the US Constitution, the judicial branch exists to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals and minorities, so that their liberties don't get trampled on by the majority.
I'll give you an example: Interracial marriage was hugely unpopular even by the 1960s when only twenty percent of the population was for it. However, a sweep of court rulings protected couples' equal rights, allowing all interracial couples the ability to marry by the 1970s.
Many people aren't familiar with recent California history. The California state congress, elected by and representing the majority, legalized gay marriage! Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California, shot it down with an executive veto. Today the state supreme court recognizes the denial of marriage to people based on sexual orientation was unconstitutional. After the ruling, Governor Schwarzenegger stated he respects and will uphold the court's finding. Now gay marriage has the support of ALL three branches of California government. And I'm very happy.
Democracy is two-parted: representation of the majority and protection of the minority. Both parts are of equal and extreme importance. The legislative branch exists to represent the wants and desires of the majority. Being held to the US Constitution, the judicial branch exists to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals and minorities, so that their liberties don't get trampled on by the majority.
I'll give you an example: Interracial marriage was hugely unpopular even by the 1960s when only twenty percent of the population was for it. However, a sweep of court rulings protected couples' equal rights, allowing all interracial couples the ability to marry by the 1970s.
Many people aren't familiar with recent California history. The California state congress, elected by and representing the majority, legalized gay marriage! Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California, shot it down with an executive veto. Today the state supreme court recognizes the denial of marriage to people based on sexual orientation was unconstitutional. After the ruling, Governor Schwarzenegger stated he respects and will uphold the court's finding. Now gay marriage has the support of ALL three branches of California government. And I'm very happy.
