One of the principles that define democratic society is the idea that "the majority rules". Despite the fundamental nature of this principle, it has been questioned by some of history's greatest thinkers. Henry David Thoreau, Emmeline Pankhurst and Karl Marx are among these great thinkers who commented on the role of the majority in various political and social situations. In works such as “Civil Disobedience,” “Why We Are Militant,” and the “Communist Manifesto,” they point out some of the inherent flaws in the maxim of “majority rules.” In 1849, the transcendentalist philosopher and writer Henry David Thoreau wrote a treatise originally titled “Resistance to Civil Government.” This piece, however, is now more commonly known as “Civil Disobedience.” Thoreau was staunchly against the two major issues that were important during his lifetime: slavery and the Mexican-American War. These issues shaped his political views and led him to write “Civil Disobedience” (SparkNotes Editors). As an abolitionist, Thoreau was clearly aware of the unjust treatment of African Americans (SparkNotes Editors). African Americans, as now, were part of the majority that should follow the laws of the country. At that time, African Americans were not represented and, therefore, the majority were not truly represented. However, Thoreau's position on the majority is twofold. The second part of Thoreau's question regarding the democratic principle of “majority rules” is more fundamental. He questions the morality of the “majority ruling” system: but a government in which the majority rules in all cases cannot be based on justice, even as men understand it. There cannot be a government in which majorities do not virtually free themselves from paper... there should be a revolution of the majority for the good of the majority. This would upset the entire system based on class struggle, since there would only be one class (Marx and Engels 9). So, in this case, the majority plays a revolutionary role that leads to social stability and equality. Thoreau, Pankhurst, de Gouge, Marx, and Engels all had valid points to make about the concept of “majority rule” based on their experiences in their countries. own environments. According to Thoreau, the majority, even when fully represented, can be misled. In the worlds of Pankhurst and deGouges, and historically speaking generally, portions of the majority have become vastly underrepresented. Finally, with Marx and Engels, the majority plays a more positive role, as an immense revolutionary class of the proletariat which, with its success, brings social stability and equality..