What did the framers fear regarding unrestrained democracy?

The framers of the Constitution expressed a profound concern that unrestrained democracy could lead to the "tyranny of the majority." This concept reflects their belief that, in a pure democracy where majority rule is absolute, the rights and interests of minority groups could be overlooked or trampled upon. The framers aimed to create a balanced system of government that would protect individual liberties and prevent any single group from gaining too much power, which they feared could occur if the populace had unchecked power to legislate according to majority whims.

To mitigate this risk, they designed a system that included checks and balances, a representative government, and protections for minority rights, thereby ensuring that all voices and interests would be considered in the legislative process. This foundational concern remains a key aspect of American constitutional democracy, emphasizing the importance of protecting individual rights against potential majority oppression.