In political science, “democratic deficit” refers to the situation where laws get passed that thwart the will of the majority (even in a truly democratic society where everyone gets to vote and the vote really counts). This happens, for instance, when the legislative body is targeted by special interest groups. Special interest groups have the will and means to get their agenda passed, even if it goes againsts the interests of the majority. The majority is too diffuse and unable to mobilize itself into a cohesive force, because the benefits of blocking the special interest groups are spread across everyone in the majority. However, each member of the majority enjoys a tiny fraction of the benefit, so it’s not worth it. That is why we cannot trust democracy. See Madison, Federalist #10.
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In political science, “democratic deficit” refers to the situation where laws get passed that thwart the will of the majority (even in a truly democratic society where everyone gets to vote and the vote really counts). This happens, for instance, when the legislative body is targeted by special interest groups. Special interest groups have the will and means to get their agenda passed, even if it goes againsts the interests of the majority. The majority is too diffuse and unable to mobilize itself into a cohesive force, because the benefits of blocking the special interest groups are spread across everyone in the majority. However, each member of the majority enjoys a tiny fraction of the benefit, so it’s not worth it. That is why we cannot trust democracy. See Madison, Federalist #10.