The moment a mere numerical superiority by either states or voters in this country proceeds to ignore the needs and desires of the minority, and for their own selfish purpose or advancement, hamper or oppress that minority, or debar them in any way from equal privileges and equal rights-that moment will mark the failure of our constitutional system.

The Public Papers and Addresses of Franklin D. Roosevelt: The genesis of the new deal, 1928-1932 (ed. 1938)