ochlocracy

Definitions

Mob rule; government by the masses; mobocracy.

Equivalents

Examples

“Referendums are snapshots of sentiment at a given point⟳ in time. Government by referendum is government by crowd acclamation: not democracy, but ochlocracy. That is exactly why we have⟳ representative democracy. If referendums would be a poor way to decide⟳ on health and safety, air traffic control⟳, or education, they are an exceedingly poor way to decide⟳ a matter⟳ as momentous as membership of the EU. This is and should be a matter⟳ for Parliament, taking all factors into account.”

“This constitutes a grave threat to the American Republic and degrades it into an Ochlocracy, or government by mob rule⟳.”

CEFR level