In the West, capitalism and democracy progressed in tandem, as the development of markets reduced the power of landlords and increased that of the working and middle classes. By participating actively in politics, basing their electoral choices on rational self-interest, and developing the sense of moderation needed to resist dictatorship, the middle class promotes democratic progress.
在西方，随着市场发展在削弱地主权力的同时增强劳工和中产阶级权力，资本主义和民主携手取得了长足进步。通过积极参政、在理性自利的基础上进行投票以及培养抵制独裁所需的节制感，中产阶级极大地推动了民主进程。同时，与中产阶级崛起相关的民间组织成长防止国家机构垄断政治资源。