Why are Americans confused about the difference between a Democracy and Republic?”
By definition, a republic is a political unit governed by a charter, while a democracy is a government whose prevailing force is always that of the majority. Perhaps one of the difficulties in defining these two words, namely democracy and republic, stems from the fact that many consider them synonyms, which they aren’t. They are no more alike than an apple and a banana, and yet they are often used interchangeably. The difference between a republic and a democracy lies in the ultimate source of official power. In the case of a republic, it lies with a charter; in a democracy, with the rule of the majority. And yet they are often lumped together. Consider the words to the United States’ Pledge of Allegiance, which adds to some of the confusion by proudly touting: “And to the republic for which its stands, one nation under God, indivisible,” Was this the dream of America’s forefathers? Even if it was, isn’t the US, the epitome of the word democracy? Yes it is and no it isn’t. In a democr
Maybe it’s because the Americans lack are not informed well, you can read some helpful insights at connorboyack.com. —————– Republic vs. Democracy Posted by Connor on November 14th, 2006 If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting! Many Americans today hear how great democracy is, how our democracy is so wonderful, yadda yadda yadda. I have one problem with this: WE DON’T HAVE A DEMOCRACY! Nowhere in our founding documents does it say such a word. We have a Republic. And even more Americans are confused at just what exactly a Republic is… The information below is copied from Training Manual No. 2000-25 that was published by the then War Department, Washington, D.C., November 30, 1928. Official Definition of DEMOCRACY NOTE Here are four (4) facsimile section reproductions taken from a 156 page book officially compiled and issued by the U.S. War Department, November 30,1928, setting fort
