Full Idea
There are two sorts of tyranny: that which is real and consists of the violence of government; and the tyranny of opinion, when those who govern institute things contrary to a nation's mode of thought.
Gist of Idea
Tyranny is either real violence, or the imposition of unpopular legislation
Source
Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 19.03)
A Reaction
By this reckoning the abolition of the death penalty by the UK partliament was tyrannous, as it went against popular enthusiasm for it. Representative democracy is always in danger of drifting towards mild tyranny.
Book Reference
Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.207