- we have classes: law only partially applies to celebrities, making them unequal to average citizens
- electoral college
-more examples?
2007-06-11 07:31:27 · 17 answers · asked by Ting 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
America is a republic, yes, but what are the examples?
2007-06-11 07:43:23 · update #1
Not limited to examples of America being a republic, but of anything else you think strays from democracy
2007-06-11 07:44:26 · update #2
The example that hits closest to home for most of us is the incredible power school boards have. They are elected, can raise our property taxes more or less at will. They have no watchdog over them and are free to make their own rules about how open they are with the public about things like finances--and very, very often their use of the public funds entrusted to them do not stand the light of day very well.
The fact that we cannot come to an agreement in this country that an illegal alien is illegal--we don't even want to call him an alien or even a migrant--but an immigrant--which implies legal coverage these people are avoiding is an example of our having lost the power of democracy.
We are footing the bill for people who are not citizens for the schooling of the children, the birthing of their children, their hospitalization needs, the rising crime rates in many communities, and I could go on.
Nancy Pelosi. She acted against the interests of the U.S. in visiting the Middle East, which was an abuse of the public trust her position made her responsible to uphold, and weakened America further in the eyes of the Middle East, and indeed the world. And all the other Nancy Pelosi's of this country who use personal freedom as an excuse to betray public responsibiity.
Political correctness and the ensuing lack of a sense of humor about ourselves. In this, we are completely pathetic as a nation, and forgetful of the need for rational debate in all areas of public life.
Maggie
2007-06-11 07:57:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
America do not claim to be a democracy. America is a Republic. Remember the phrase from the Pledge To The Flag, " And to the republic for which it stands."
2007-06-11 14:42:01 · answer #2 · answered by cityslicker42 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Here's something different...
The fact that you can ask that question proves America is a democracy.
In some parts of Asia, Middle East and Africa, you and the rest of your family can be jailed without trial for asking a simple question like that. Much worse, you can face summary execution.
I'm from the Philippines, worked in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, so I have a pretty good idea of what I'm talking about. During the Marcos regime, Filipinos can't even ask questions for fear of reprisals.
So count your blessings and the next time you complain about small shortcomings of your government, think about what a simple question can lead to in some other part of the world.
Although democracy is defined as a form of government, it is in fact an egalitarian ideal of personal liberty, equality, economic equity, and social justice.
You have the luxury of living it every day, while many continue to dream it will come true for them someday.
2007-06-11 15:03:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The United States of America is a Republic.
("I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all")
We have a democratic form of government.
2007-06-11 14:41:21 · answer #4 · answered by socalgramma 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We elect Representatives who pass laws. In a true Democracy ALL of the citizens would vote on laws.
2007-06-11 14:40:58 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, most answers will be "we are a republic" :) I guess that's a high school handicap :)
Makes one wonder though, why America wants to export this "democracy" wholesale and world wide :)
2007-06-11 16:23:50 · answer #6 · answered by Rahaaa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are not a democracy because we have:
Human Rights
Private property
Free Speech
Minority rights
Corporations
2007-06-11 14:42:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is and always has been a representative republic. Never claimed to be a democracy as a democracy is by definition unworkable.
And so your question is?
2007-06-11 14:38:08 · answer #8 · answered by Elizabeth Howard 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Well, considering we are republic, then yes, I'm sure you can find many examples of America not being a democracy. Thanks for playing..."Know your Government"
2007-06-11 14:38:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
It might be a Corpratocracy, or a Monetocracy. After all the corporations and the money are in control, just take pollution for example, its unhealthy for the citizens and we have alternatives and it would be in the citizens best interest to stop it and have the one's who created it clean it up. But its not happening, so who represents us?
2007-06-11 14:44:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋