Democracy or Republic

[florida08]

Wanted your opinion on this as I've had a few clashes with republicans who say this is not a democracy but a republic. I haven't done extensive research but I know the forefathers argued against a direct democracy as Madison did in the Federalist Papers. Being worried about a mob rule(factions) argued for a representative form. This representative form was to be held in check with bylaws that would secure inalienable rights.

Some say we are a Constitutional Republic. That is ambiguous for me as China is both a republic and has a constitution but as we know is communist. There are many forms of republics as there are democracies. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_republics The word democracy does not appear in our Constitution. The Preamble calls us a Union. A union denotes a willing brotherhood.

Article IV Section 4 says:

"The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government"

Now common sense dictates it is referring to 'democracy' or equality might be a better word. To me a republic generally means sovereign. Definition of democracy:

"The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community"

I like that. So I have come to the conclusion that the forefathers intended that we are 1st a democracy, 2nd Installing bylaws by which to governed ALL including the reps, constitutional and 3rd a republic (we have declared our independence from outside dictates)

Wouldn't that make us a Democratic Constitutional Republic? Guess we have to discover what was foremost in their minds at the time.
Where they more concerned with sovereignty or corruption within?

[William769]

1. We are a democracy in a republic.

Go figure.

[blm]

2. We're a hybrid...a Democratic Republic

Unfortunately it is apparent modern day Republicans are just watercarriers for the global fascist elite.....BushInc's NWO.

[OHdem10]

3. At the time of our founding and even until today, it is my understanding:

The founders were considering different models especially
the French Model.

In both the French Model and our Model the two most
important values: Liberty and Equality.

Put Liberty on one side of the scale and Equality on the
other side.

American Republic the scales tips more to side of Liberty
while in the French Model the Scale tips more to the side
of Equality.

American Republic tips to Liberty to maintain Fiancial Freedom
(the ability of the individual to make their own maoney and
spend it as they please).

French Model--social democracy--wanted to avoid great disparities
in income.

Both countries value Liberty and Equality, they just tip the
scales a bit more in favor of one over the other.

French values Equality a bit more than Liberty and America
values Liberty(Financial) a bit more than equality.

[florida08]

5. yes

and that is where I think democrats and republicans differ and cause rifts. Republicans support this huge military empire believing the outside threat is the priority. Democrats lean more toward the internal strife of inequality by factions to the rest of country.
Just wondered what the forefathers precedence was. Generally speaking that is.

[proud patriot]

4. We are a Democratic Republic

[damntexdem]

6. A democracy is what people demand and get.

We were not established as one, but demands (and wars) led to greater extensions of democracy. This is what the GOP wants to crush.

[Wounded Bear]

7. We're a democracy when they are in the majority...

Otherwise, we're a republic.

[florida08]

8. I'd go along with that.

:thumbsup: