They always spout this nonsensical "We're a Republic, not a Democracy" nonsense. There is no difference between a democracy and a Republic.
Are they that afraid of government of the people, by the people, and for the people?
2007-03-18 06:48:38 · 23 answers · asked by Longhaired Freaky Person 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Virginia, what is the government doing differently since last November?
2007-03-18 06:53:43 · update #1
Every democracy in the world today is a representative democracy.
2007-03-18 06:57:34 · update #2
Right now it is a Republic with the Bush Administration, it was a Fascist Dictatorship until Americans overturned Congress last November.
2007-03-18 06:52:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 10⤋
There is a difference between a republic and democracy, first a republic which we have uses representives to execute the will of the poeple or makes judgements in favor of the people. In a democracy, the people have all the power and say, and truth be told that is almost a mob mentality whihc can be quite dangerous.
2007-03-18 07:37:47 · answer #2 · answered by emt_dragon339 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Really when it comes down to it's semantics, as they are both ideas or concepts that are interchangeable and variable. "Democracy" is an ideal, and it is one that we on the left hold our government to, because it was promised to us. Its funny how the right rejects the notion of democracy except when using it to say that is what we are invading other countries for to protect our "freedom and democracy." And of course they are afraid of "government of the people, by the people, and for the people" how would then the big corporations that control and poison every aspect of our lives whether we want that or not survive under a true democracy.
2007-03-18 07:09:12 · answer #3 · answered by Yemaya 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, hon....First, I haven't seen "Republicans insisting that America is not a Democracy." I, as well as other educated people, have answered questions to that end, but we haven't "insisted." Second, there IS a difference between a democracy and a republic. In a democracy, citizens represent themselves in the decision making process. When was the last time you sat in a room with a couple of million other citizens and debated law before you and the other million citizens voted it into law? No, you elect representatives to do that for you----a republic. A republic is still a "government of the people, by the people, and for the people." The PEOPLE do the electing of the representatives. I thought you Democrats were supposed to be educated, learned group?
2007-03-18 06:58:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 3⤋
Because they are right. A true democracy would be a mess. Every decision being made would have to pass a majority vote, we would be voting all the time.
The United States of America is a democratic based republic, in that we elect representatives to make the decisions.
2007-03-18 07:09:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
There actually is a difference between a democracy and a republic or a democratic republic which is what the US is. In a pure democracy, everyone has direct access to power through their votes. In a democratic republic, the people vote to elect representatives who, at least in theory, vote in the people's interests.
I've never heard a Republican make a big deal over the whole republic vs democracy issue. I don't see how it would mean anything them either way.
2007-03-18 06:53:20 · answer #6 · answered by Underground Man 6 · 5⤊ 2⤋
As usual the neocons (not mainstream Republicans) are talking about something they know nothing about. But you've made an error, too: a republic and a democracy are NOT interchangeable terms.
But that aside, the cons are simply trying to excuse their (and Bsuh's) desire to disregard the voice of the American people. And they seize on a difference in terminology that in fact doesn't even apply. Usual con illogic.
BTW--just to be academic--the US began as a republic--but hasn't strictly been one since direct election of senators was instituted a century ago.
But don't assume "democracy and republic" are equivalent terms. Bear in mind--the government of China is a republic--but it certainly isn't a democracy. And you are correcct--all mdern democracies--including ours--is a representative democracy.
2007-03-18 07:11:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I will give you an answer that you will not like. USA is a 2 party system. Its eather democrates or republicans. Technical they are elected by the people. In real the first selection is by the market. They decide what candidates that will survive by choosing who to support with money. Thats make USA a plutocracy. Also a sytem were you choose a winner and the rest have no representation isnt democratic. lets say the winner gain about 30 to 40 % or all votes it will be 60 to 70 % of all voters in that region not having a representant. A majority with no vote. So selection isnt directly a vote from the people at first .
2007-03-18 06:56:42 · answer #8 · answered by Stefan 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There is big difference. In a true democracy no one person or organization can veto (overturn) the will of the people and its duly elected representatives. In the US the president and the courts can do it.
2007-03-18 16:54:12 · answer #9 · answered by kwilfort 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because it's not... it's a representative republic.
there is a huge difference between a democracy and a representative republic.
2007-03-18 07:01:43 · answer #10 · answered by curious_One 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Huh? We have an electoral college.We have senators and congressmen we vote to represent us. That is a Representative republic not a democracy.
2007-03-18 07:00:01 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋