The Framers of the Constitution understood “democracy” and “republic” to mean different things. Explain this difference and identify which concept the Framers favored.
2006-07-25 15:00:20 · 6 answers · asked by Saritza J 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
A democracy - sometimes called a direct democracy - is a system of government in which all citizens (who are eligible to vote) vote on every issue, and the majority rules.
A republic is a system of government where citizens have Representatives that make the decisions (not necessarily elected representatives).
A Democratic-republic (sometimes called a republic with democratic institutions) is a republic where the citizens vote for their Representatives.
The founding fathers were adamant about not wanting a direct democracy (equating that form of government with mob-rule).
2006-07-25 15:15:31 · answer #1 · answered by Will 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A myth. A true democracy has NEVER existed. A true democracy everyone from childhood to death, free and convict get a say in EVERY issue. This doesn't even work in civic organization such as 4-H where there is still a governing council to make the mondane decisions that the average person just doesn't care about.
Then you have to factor in there are issues that society as a whole can't know about because those who are enemies would exploit the information.
By the way we are a Federal Republic. A Federal Republic is a system with divided and diffused power. Each level has their own power and own responsibility
2006-07-25 19:41:58 · answer #2 · answered by .45 Peacemaker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Democracy is merely a tool in most cases that accesses the will of rhe people to cooperate and comply with government. Contrary to folklure it has no real virtue beyond that mediant duplicity. For example do you really think it rational to choose between right and wrong! the founding fathers didn't either, that's why there is an electoral collage to amend some of the failings of popular government, but even that has been corrupted!
Governments of the Republic are meant to take the ideal of Unionism seriously and to strive sincerely for a more perfect society made up from and reflective of the citizenship. Democracy was meant to offer a more balanced playing field but it is republicanism that supplies the sense of virtue!
2006-07-25 15:18:09 · answer #3 · answered by namazanyc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our country was to be a Democratic-Republic. a pure democracy is a society in which all citizens are required to vote on every policy issue that comes before the government. in this it is always majority rule, or possibly greater majority rule on some things. a pure republic is a government where elected representitive make all of the decisions on everything with no executive or judicial branch, including amending the constitution. a democratic-republic is a government in which all citizens are allowed to vote for members of the government, there are checks and balances to keep the elected officials following their constituents wishes and the citizens have some direct vote in at least some matters, for the US that would be in amending the constitution.
2006-07-25 15:04:39 · answer #4 · answered by nathanael_beal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thomas Jefferson said that a Democracy was the very WORST form of government that we could choose.
As a side note , Democracy , in Latin , directly translates as "Mob Rule".
2006-07-25 17:16:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Somebody has a homework assignment due soon...
2006-07-25 17:01:40 · answer #6 · answered by Oldragon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋