It ceases to be a democracy, just as soon as any permanent privileges are conferred by its institutions or its laws; and this equality of right and absence of permanent privilege is the expression of a fundamental social interest.
But the principle of equal rights, like the principle of ultimate popular political responsibility, is not sufficient; and because of its insufficiency results in certain dangerous ambiguities and self-contradictions.

American political thinkers have always repudiated the idea that by equality of rights they meant anything like equality of performance or power.

The utmost varieties of individual power and ability are bound to exist and are bound to bring about many different levels of individual achievement.

Democracy both recognizes the right of the individual to use his powers to the utmost, and encourages him to do so by offering a fair field and, in cases of success, an abundant reward.

The democratic principle requires an equal start in the race, while expecting at the same time an unequal finish.