Is the USA truly a democracy?

Question

Would the global corporations countenance an administration which threatened their power? Is the mainstream media a tool of the multi-nationals? Are citizens just consumers, or possibly even commodities? Are the Democrats and Republicians essentially two wings of the same party (as Gore Vidal suggested)? Can any nation claim to be a real democracy? Are we all buying into the myth of democracy? And if it could exist... would it work?

Answer 1

It is a democratic republic but yes it is a democracy... 'for the ppl by the ppl.' It's just that we have representatives that are voted in by the ppl that are elected based on regional segments.

Democracy is just a political structure and can be setup in many different forms.

DEMOCRACY
•Popular will, Rule by the people
•Equal citizenship rights
•Social contract among the people
•Popular rule express and encourage to autonomy
•Consist of moral compromise
•Participation, election, liberties, check and balances
There are six types of democracy;
1- Schumpeterian democracy
Democracy as “ that institutional arrangement for arriving at political decisions in which individuals acquire the power to decide by means of competitive struggle for people’s vote.
2- Populist democracy:Popular will are ;
•Free speech, press and assocation necessary for political freedom
•The rule of law , arbitary will of public officials
•Formal voling equality
But, democracy is general will. So, ıt can be tyranny of majority. Because, majority rather than minority.
3- Lıberal democracy: John Raws à “ a theory of justice”.
He indicates basic to idea of free and equal human beings;
•freedom of speech, press, assocation and religion
•right to property, freedom to vote,
•hold public office and arbitary arrest.
Liberal democracy critize tyrany of popular will. Therefore, ıt encourages individuals. İndividuals are rather than whole. So, liberal democracy underlines check and balances and seperation of power for liberty.
4- Participation democracy
It offers greater opportunities for citizens to participate direct in politics rather than indirect. So, it is called direct democracy which first used in encien Greece.
5- Social democracy
It tries to bring democracy in public life. Espevially, ıt considers family intercourse. For example, women and children rights in family, support family income in order to growth health children such as establishing child care center. Also, ıt gives democratic rights for workers. Workers have right to participate for decision in factory. As a result, social democracy is welfare state democracy.
6- Deliberative democracy
Deliberative democracy offers an aswer that integrates the populist and liberal ideas in order to dicuss an issue and find solution. So, ıt encourages public deliberation an issues that are best understood through open , delibarete processes. It granties that while popular will express their will, it also gives chance for minority in order to express their feelings. So, ıt prevents minority rights from the majority tyranny. Because, ıts aim is to take common decision.

Answer 2

By the constitution the USA is defined as a republic, not a democracy. If it were a democracy the the public would be making the laws not the elected officials.

At best the USA is a republic of free enterprise, where the answers to our biggest probems are solved by the marketplace.

Answer 3

No, its a constitutional republic. A true democracy is when all people vote on everything and don't elect officials to make any decisions for them, its unworkable in all but the smallest states.

The line between the corporations and governments is a little blurry at times, but people can always have a revolution against either.

Answer 4

Right now establishing a true through-and-through democracy wouldn't do much to solve our problems. The problems we're going through are not strictly because of a lack of leadership - we've got a lot of really bad _followers_ as well. In fact, as has been said, the problem with democracy is that the people get the government they deserve. Well, we've got a government that caters to our shallow religiousity, reality television, identity politics, drenched in supernaturalism culture. We sure as heck deserve what we've got.

Answer 5

No, there is no such thing as a true democracy. True democracies wouldn't work anyways because it's very difficult for every last person to be educated and responsible enough to cast a proper vote. A democracy is merely the tyranny of the lowest common denominator.

Answer 6

Hopefully not. To the best of my understanding it is a Republic. The difference is, that in a democracy you can have the tyranny by the majority over the minority.
A republic is supposed to be looking out for the individual.
And the 2 parties we have are usually so close in their goals and methods, that you need a microscope to tell them apart.
The Republicrats or the Demoplicans

Answer 7

I recommend Greg Pallast's book which refers to the US. The title is The best democracy money can buy

Answer 8

it's a republic.

flawed at best. (stupid electorial college defeats the definition of a true democracy.) Go ask Al Gore, (America's FIRST choice in the 2000 elections)

Answer 9

We're buying into the myth, definitely. This is a limited democracy.

Answer 10

US may not be perfect but then what is. I really believe it is the best you will find. If not, why does so many people want to live here and why don't many leave for a better place? I love it and would not trade countries with anyone!

Answer 11

Ignoring all that other stuff cuz it made my eyes water and just answering your first question, is the USA a democracy - No, it's actually a republic.