the vulgar masses; the ignorant multitude
A somewhat literary or formal term referring to the common people as a foolish, easily swayed crowd. Often carries a critical or elitist tone.
衆愚政治に陥らないためには、教育が重要だ。
Education is important to avoid falling into mob rule.
彼は衆愚の声に流されず、自らの信念を貫いた。
He stuck to his convictions without being swayed by the voice of the ignorant masses.
mob rule; ochlocracy
Compound of 衆 (shū, 'multitude') and 愚 (gu, 'foolish'). The combination directly conveys 'foolish masses'.