The will of the majority is naturally powerful in a democracy. Most American constitutions have strengthened this natural power even further by providing that representatives to the legislatures are appointed directly by the people for short terms (such that the legislature is very ready to obey the wishes of the majority), and then by concentrating almost all of the powers of government in the legislatures. The majority derives its moral authority from the notion that: (1) …showed first 75 words of 446 total…

…showed last 75 words of 446 total…provides one of the strongest barriers against its faults. Civil juries protect against tyranny by making all citizens a part of the judicial process. They instill some of the habits of the judicial mind into every citizen. They provide a respect for court decisions and an idea of right throughout all classes. The jury is the most effective way of establishing the people's rule and the most effective way of teaching them how to rule.