Ochlocracy facts for kids

Ochlocracy or mobocracy is a type of government where a large crowd of people, often called a "mob," takes control. Instead of elected leaders or established laws, the decisions are made by the strong feelings and actions of many people at once. It's like when a big group of people gets very emotional and decides what should happen, rather than following a fair system.

What is Mob Rule?

Mob rule happens when a large, excited crowd acts as the main power. This can be a problem because mobs often act on strong emotions like anger or fear, rather than careful thought or discussion. When a mob is in charge, there are no clear rules or ways to protect everyone's rights. Decisions can change very quickly, depending on the mood of the crowd.

Why is Mob Rule a Problem?

When a mob is in charge, it can be unfair and unpredictable. Here are some reasons why it's often seen as a bad way to govern:

• Lack of fairness: A mob might make decisions that benefit only the loudest or strongest people, ignoring the needs of others.
• No clear laws: There are no set laws or rules to follow, so people don't know what to expect.
• Danger of violence: Strong emotions in a crowd can sometimes lead to violence or harm.
• Short-term thinking: Mobs often focus on immediate problems or feelings, not on what's best for the future.

Mob Rule vs. Democracy

It's important to understand that ochlocracy is different from a democracy. In a democracy, people vote for their leaders, and there are laws and systems in place to protect everyone. Even though people have a voice in a democracy, decisions are made through a structured process, not just by a crowd's immediate reaction. Ochlocracy is often seen as a corrupted or dangerous form of democracy, where the will of the people becomes uncontrolled and chaotic.

Historical Examples of Mob Action

Throughout history, there have been times when large groups of people have taken control, even if only for a short period. One famous example is during the French Revolution in the late 1700s. During this time, angry crowds in Paris sometimes took matters into their own hands, attacking officials or demanding immediate changes. These actions showed how powerful and sometimes dangerous a mob could be when it felt it had no other way to be heard.

Images for kids

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  A Tale of Two Cities, the mob in Paris dancing La Carmagnole, by Fred Barnard.

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  The Mob attacking Joseph Foullon de Doué

See also

In Spanish: Oclocracia para niños