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Is America a Republic, or, a Democracy?!?!?

Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by righteousdude2, Apr 13, 2010.

?
  1. A Republic

    10 vote(s)
    50.0%
  2. A Democracy

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  3. A Democractic-Republic

    10 vote(s)
    50.0%
  4. Not sure, and don't care

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. righteousdude2

    righteousdude2 Well-Known Member
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    There are some on this forum who continue to "cram-down-our-throats" their belief that America is a "republic."

    Personally, I've always thought we were a "democracy", but, whenever I refer to this being a "democracy" I hear it from those who disagree.

    Well, I went to the Merriam-Webster On-line Dictionary copyright © 2009 by Merriam-Webster, and after reading the official definitions, I concede that we are not just a democracy, but, a republic, thus, we are all partially correct... so, can we agree in the future to say that America is a "DEMOCRATIC--REPUBLIC!"

    DEMOCRACY: 1. a government by the people especially rule of the majority b. government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised - by the way, did Congress really do this (exercise the power vested in them by their constituents) when they voted for the HRC? - by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections
    2. a political unit that has a democratic government
    3. capitalized the principles and policies of the Democratic party in the United States - from emancipation Republicanism to New Deal Democracy - C. M. Roberts
    4. the common people especially when constituting the source of political authority
    5. the absence of hereditary or arbitrary class distinctions or privileges


    REPUBLIC: 1. a government having a chief of state who is not a monarch and who in modern times is usually a president. (2)a political unit (as a nation) having such a form of government (1). b (1)a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law(2). (2)a political unit (as a nation) having such a form of government. ca usually specified republican government of a political unit - the French Fourth Republic
    2. a body of persons freely engaged in a specified activity - the ∼ of letters
    3. a constituent political and territorial unit of the former nations of Czechoslovakia, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or Yugoslavia


    Shalom,

    Pastor Paul :type:

    I am Pastor Paul, and the above is as correct and honest I can make it. Although it is my conclusion that we are a Democratic-Republic, in no way am I being dishonest, misrepresenting the truth, or, presenting anything that is anti-Obama. Although, I still reserve the "right" to dislike the guy, and according to my Constitutional rights and the Amendments to that Constitution - http://www.superkids.com/aweb/pages/features/netporn/amndmnts.htm - I am freely exercising my right to speak freely.

    Gosh! I hope I haven't stepped on anyones toes???:sleep:
     
  2. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    From Wikipedia, I found this definition:


    "Democratic Republic — Tends to be used by countries who have a particular desire to emphasize their claim to be democratic; these are typically Communist states and/or ex-colonies. Examples include the German Democratic Republic (no longer in existence) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. "

    I contend we are a Republic. In a democracy, each citizen would actually vote on Evey issue. Obviously, with 300 million citizens, that would be a pit of a problem.
     
  3. rbell

    rbell Active Member

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    You can quote Merriam-Webster all you want. I'll quote our Founding Fathers. They're the ones that set up our country's governmental system...and they're the ones who avoided a "democracy."




    SOURCE

    "A Democracy is mob rule--where 51% of the people may take away the rights of the other 49." -Thomas Jefferson

    This book HERE is fantastic...it tells very clearly what our FF's thought of "democracy" (hint: They didn't like it...that's why we're a "Constitutional Republic.")

    Basic civics. BIG difference between the two.
     
  4. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    There isn't even a legitimate conversation to be had here. The proof is overwhelming that the United States is a federal constitutional republic. It was set up as a republic. It says all over the place that it is a republic.

    I don't know anyone who can justifiably argue that we are a democracy. We aren't. This isn't even a discussion.
     
  5. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    You are bang on fellas. I wish Civics was still taught in school.
     
  6. Thinkingstuff

    Thinkingstuff Active Member

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    I can only report what its supposed to be. Not what it is currently. The founders founded a republic based on a democratic system. However, is that what we are? I think were a socialist country with a declining democratic system.
     
  7. billwald

    billwald New Member

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  8. Thinkingstuff

    Thinkingstuff Active Member

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    I have to change my position and agree with you.
     
  9. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    From the link: "Before the equal voting rights movement managed to end it in the early 20th century, many countries used a system where rich persons had more votes than poor. A factory owner may for instance have had 2000 votes while a worker had one,"

    Would it really be wrong to base voting on how much taxes you pay.

    Really, why should Tom who is on welfare get to vote in someone who will just increase Tom's welfare check, and Jim ends up paying more taxes to cover Tom's living expenses - or should we say wants?

    Any shouldn't a corporations be allowed to vote. I would venture to say a corp pays a large % of the property taxes that goes for local schools?

    Salty

    PS Those who have earned checks from the govt (Social Security, military, ect would still be allowed to vote)
     
  10. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    Wow what a terrible idea. This harkens back to the days where some people were valued less than others. Just because it is a republic form of government doesn't mean it is an autocratic regime. The general public, under this schema, would never out vote the major corporations. Do you really want a Chinese corporation that owns half of downtown Manhattan having a say in the government of our nation?

    Absolutely not. This is a terrible idea.
     
  11. JohnDeereFan

    JohnDeereFan Well-Known Member
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    Yeah, go figure.

    That's because when you refer to it as a Democracy, you're showing your ignorance and we're trying to correct you.

    Well, I went to the Merriam-Webster On

    Absolutely. The Constitution does gauarantee your right to be wrong.
     
  12. windcatcher

    windcatcher New Member

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    Our country was founded as a CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC.
     
  13. rbell

    rbell Active Member

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    Sometimes I wonder if they already do... :saint::praying:
     
  14. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    Exactly. I am not going to source what is common knowledge, but our Founding Fathers abhorred the concept on democracy. They thought of it as a kind of 'mob rule' that would lead to destruction.
     
  15. Rubato 1

    Rubato 1 New Member

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    Read 12 of the 85 Federalist Papers (esp #51) and call me when you're done. There is no question that we are a republic. Alex Hamilton called it a 'Federal Republic'.

    The 'Federal' part of our description is now largely lost (17th ammendment and several Supreme Court decisions that infringe on the states' soveriegnty) and we resemble what many call a 'Constitutional Republic' though these words can be twisted to mean many different things.
     
  16. righteousdude2

    righteousdude2 Well-Known Member
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    History Lessons Learned, Thanks....

    ... BUT, I want to thank the person who gave me the Wikipedia site, because on another Wikipdeia site, their article and info on Democracy, could very well support my initial thoughts.

    America may be a Republic, but, it is Democratic in how it metes out and implements its freedoms "of the people, by the people!"

    I still contend, and I reserve my right to be wrong, that America is a government that reflects both the good and bad of a nation that is a Democratically run Republic. Thus, I believe we are a democratic republic. We can't have the points of one without the points of the other.

    The Wikipedia and Merriam Webster Definition of Democracy and Republic support that were are operating under the principles of both definitions.

    IMHO, we can't have a Republic without an active Democracy, and vice versa.

    Respectfully submitted, while you may believe me to be wrong, I too, believe that to not see how this nation operates under the principles of both a republic and a democracy, is in error!

    By the way, I appreciate the civil manner in which you all corrected my weaknesses in social Studies. That was not my best subject in school, and you have all been Christ-like in correcting my opinion.

    However, I'd like to have you explain how we reflect the ideals of a Republic, and not reflect the ideals of a Democracy at the same time?

    In fairness, I'd like to point out to you who lovingly disagreed with my premise, that there was a time when the Russia was the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

    Does that make your contention that America is a Republic more like the Russia of old?

    I've truly enjoyed this spirited debate, even though it is presently me against the board. It is as the board should be: CIVIL...:thumbsup:

    Shalom,

    Pastor Paul :type:
     
  17. righteousdude2

    righteousdude2 Well-Known Member
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    #17 righteousdude2, Apr 14, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 14, 2010
  18. THEOLDMAN

    THEOLDMAN New Member

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    I agree 100%
     
  19. righteousdude2

    righteousdude2 Well-Known Member
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    Much Disagreement, but Poll Tells A Different Story...

    I can't help but notice that the comments are overwhelming not in agreement with my thought that America is a Democratic-Republic. However, the poll, though it is not official in any way, shows that 7 think we're a Republic, and 6 think we're a Democratic-Republic.

    Go figure???:BangHead:
     
  20. windcatcher

    windcatcher New Member

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    :flower: Hope its clearer now.
     
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