In this thought-provoking treatise, W. H. Mallock argues that the idea of pure democracy - or government based purely on the will of the people - is fundamentally flawed. Drawing on examples from history and philosophy, Mallock argues that democracy, in practice, often leads to tyranny, and that a more nuanced system of government - one that includes elements of aristocracy and monarchy - is necessary for the preservation of individual freedoms and the common good. Written in elegant prose, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in political theory and the nature of democracy. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.