Democracy or Republic

[zachman]

I consider the US a Republic. Where the democracy concept came from in terms of the US, I'm just not  quite sure.

[A18]

Same here.

[John Dibble]

We're still a Republic, but unfortunately we're becoming more democratic.

[Brambila]

Fact is fact; the United States is established as a Republic, not a democracy. However, as John Dibble said, the socialist left is turning it into a democracy, which will lead to all sorts problems in the future.

[Bandit3 the Worker]

I consider the US a Republic.

The basic structure is that of a democratic republic.

It's not designed to be a pure democracy, because if there's too many nutters around to scream too loud, then it's every bit as tyrannical as an old-fashioned monarchy.

[John Dibble]

I consider the US a Republic.

The basic structure is that of a democratic republic.

It's not designed to be a pure democracy, because if there's too many nutters around to scream too loud, then it's every bit as tyrannical as an old-fashioned monarchy.

Actually, it's worse. A monarch can be easily deposed, but how do you overthrow the majority?

[Citizen James]

According to The CIA factbook a:

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Though by theirDefinitions we could be considered to have aspects of a constitutional democracy and a democratic republic as well.

I've heard this sort of thing before.  It usually comes from people that get so hung up in names that they want to avoid the word democracy because of their spite toward the democratic party - a point even sillier than freedom fries.

[ATFFL]

I consider the US a Republic.

The basic structure is that of a democratic republic.

It's not designed to be a pure democracy, because if there's too many nutters around to scream too loud, then it's every bit as tyrannical as an old-fashioned monarchy.

Actually, it's worse. A monarch can be easily deposed, but how do you overthrow the majority?

You kill enough of them so they are in the minority.

[Lunar]

You kill enough of them so they are in the minority.

After a majority gets into power, they seem to be a lot better at killing everyone else rather than vice versa, heh.

[ATFFL]

You kill enough of them so they are in the minority.

After a majority gets into power, they seem to be a lot better at killing everyone else rather than vice versa, heh.

Not all of them.  I would bet the anti-gun, anti-military left in America would be rather poor at it.

[Bono]

It's a republic, although it's becoming an empire!

[Dr. Cynic]

I feel the US is a Democratic-Republic, because we incorperate aspects of both.

[Bono]

It's a republic with democratically elected representatives.

[minionofmidas]

The two terms belong in two totally different categories...
"Republic" means there is no monarch, the position of head of state is awarded on a time basis rather than for life. Let alone inherited.
Democracy means rule of the people, by the people, for the people.
Australia is a Democracy but not a Republic.
Iraq is a Republic but not a Democracy.
The US is both.
Saudi Arabia is neither.

the question, then, is totally absurd.

[JohnFKennedy]

I would say more of a Republic.

[Democratic Hawk]

Democratic parliamentary system of government with a constitutional monarchy.

Yes, I'm a monarchist so a republic is a no-no!

Dave

[ilikeverin]

Democratic parliamentary system of government with a constitutional monarchy.

Yes, I'm a monarchist so a republic is a no-no!

Dave

Constitutional monarchies are teh woot... yay figureheads!

Yet another reason why I want to move to the Netherlands