Well, I can understand why the Founding Fathers were thinking that way 200 years ago, when democracy was still at experimental stage. But by now it is pretty obvious that one does not need protection from democracy, that it is democracy that needs protection.
Re: the bolded portion - why and how is that obvious?
minorities have their rights recognized only when the majority is willing to do so ...
I couldn't disagree more emphatically. This kind of disregard for basic human rights is disgusting. The majority doesn't "own" everyone else.