How can the veto be justified in democratic organisations?

Question

Doesn't democracy imply the rule of the majority?

Answer 1

It's useful in the UN to keep the world superpowers from killing eachother and everyone else in the process.

Russia doesnt like ur legislation? No nukes needed, just veto.

Answer 2

The USA is nowhere near a perfect democracy. If we had a true democracy, every single citizen would vote in every single issue, and the majority would win. But everyone knows that that's illogical, so instead we have to ellect officials to represent us.

The way the government is set up is that each branch has the ability to veto a bill passed by another (within reason, ie: i believe its a 75% majority in Legislature can over-rule the President's veto). The main reason for this is so that no branch gets too powerful and out of control, however it has hints of democracy because with ENOUGH votes, a veto can be overturned.

I just realized that you may not have been referring to the United States government at all...so the answer is:

Yes, in a true democracy, majority always wins.

Answer 3

Veto is justifiable because it enables the government's power of checks and balances.

Answer 4

Democracy should be defined as 'The imposition of the will of the majority upon the minorities'. A veto system goes some way to mitigate this.

Similar checks exist in other aspects of society.

eg.

The former requirement for a unanimous (now 10-2) verdict in a criminal case.

The 75% majority of those present and voting to change a company's Memorandum and Articles of Association.