What do you guys think? Do explain your choice.
2006-09-23 06:50:39 · 14 answers · asked by rizwanholo1 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
The United States of America can be compared to a federal republic, because of the lack of a monarchy and the assignment of representatives from each state into the federal government. Some people will argue that the United States is not a federal republic, but rather a democratic republic. The democratic republics in the past have often changed the classification of their government, simply because the word 'democratic' as implied into the typing of the new government after drastic change by the masses had vague connotation, and the word 'democratic' simply means in Greek, "rule by the people" or "rule by the masses".
In a federal republic, the states typically cannot have powers taken away from them by the federal government in order to prevent tyranny or other subjugation, and give by unilateral consent the powers to the federal government which it has, which applies to the distribution of powers in the United States of America.
2006-09-23 07:10:57 · answer #1 · answered by Another Guy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We are still nominally a republic. Like the Roman Republic two thousand years ago, we are tottering on the brink of a type of tyranny and oligarchy. If Bush leaves office peacefully, without declaring Martial law, we can breath easier (even if another Republican is elected). None-the-less, those that say we're an Oligarchy or Plutarchy are not far wrong. But looking back through history, wealth has normally attracted a disproportional amount of power. Aiding and abetting the wealthy in their control of this nation is the apathy of the electorate. We also need to overhaul the two party system and electoral college if we are to survive as a true republic.
2006-09-23 14:16:10 · answer #2 · answered by Rico Toasterman JPA 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
a cross between tyranny and oligarchy, tyranny general has a single tyrant while we have a large handful, the rich.
as far as the whole "democracy" idea, I think it's hilarious, from the very beginning the U.S. has always been a republic, not a democracy, and yet we have troops toppling nations bringing them "democracy" if it wasn't so horrendous it would be the greatest joke of all time.
2006-09-23 13:58:26 · answer #3 · answered by phalsephasod 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Monarchy- Long Live the Bush Dynasty (Is Jed Next?) Princess Jenna,
Gridlockracy?
Although if the left gets their way, we'll be socialistic. If the right gets their way well be a theocracy.
If ALCU and NAACP win well be broke from redistribution of wealth.
So things will pretty much go on as they have, I just wish that both parties could give the leaders of the other party the respect that our elected officials deserve.
2006-09-23 15:52:42 · answer #4 · answered by Ron K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say a plutocracy -- oligarchy of the wealthy -- because, due to the huge cost of campaigning for public office and paying for private media, only those who have their own private wealth or who win the support of those with private wealth can ever be elected.
However, in recent years, it has started to head towards national socialism.
2006-09-27 04:43:02 · answer #5 · answered by karlrogers2001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not any of the choices given. We are defined as a representative democratic republic. In practice we are plutocratic, Representative republican welfare state.
We elect representatives that are generally chosen by and are a member of the plutocracy. Our system of governance is as a welfare state in that we collect taxes in excess of that need to run the government so that it may be redistributed to the indigent and the businesses ( generally owned or operated by the plutocracy).
2006-09-23 14:15:17 · answer #6 · answered by Sophist 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
representative republic. Not democracy. There are some things that cannot be done even if 100% of people voted for it, like cruel/unsusual punishment.
Many people decide not to vote and that is their choice, too
2006-09-23 13:55:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anthony M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
definately oligarchy.......Bush and his team, his constituents, and the interests he represents are in fact the "small segment of society (typically the most powerful, whether by wealth, family, military strength, or political influence)" which controls the country. "Oligarchies are often controlled by a few powerful families whose children are raised and mentored to be heirs of the power of the oligarchy, often at some sort of expense to those governed" - that's putting it mildly
2006-09-23 13:54:37 · answer #8 · answered by SweetKiti 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Plutocracy:
c.f. the cost of running for office and who has access to candidates and politicians ($1000+/plate fundraisers, lobbyists, etc.)
2006-09-23 13:53:28 · answer #9 · answered by holden 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Democracy! Everybody that wants to can vote on who will represent them.
2006-09-23 14:07:20 · answer #10 · answered by Hopeful Poster 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋