Bob W replied to me thusly:
> "...Is the USA not a democracy?" > > Not by the strict definition of democracy. It is a system of > government where the majority of the people make the rules > for everyone. Here is a site discussing the differences: > > http://www.chrononhotonthologos.com/lawnotes/repvsdem.htm > > The United States is a republic. The minorities (are supposed > to) have a voice and rights too. In practice, some groups > want to turn it into a democracy (i.e. the Christians and > their attempts to erase the separation between church and state).
"These definitions seem rather narrow to me, and are perhaps more specific to the situation in the USA than to the rest of the world. 'Republic' seems to have several definitions, of which the most common is 'not a monarchy'."
those definitions are definitely specific to the USA. I replied to your question asking whether the USA is a democracy. The distinction between democracy and republic is extremely important. In a democracy, the majority rules. The minority has no rights under the law. The United States of America is not a democracy. It is a republic.
"Certainly the definition you have given does not sit well with some other states that are/were undoubtedly republics."
We weren't talking about other states. We were talking about the USA.
"Also, the site you've quoted, as well as Collin's email, seem to suggest that a republic and a democracy are mutually exclusive. I don't
know how well this idea would sit with the people of Ireland, or France, or Germany or the many other democratic republics. So again I think the
definitions are too narrow and parochial."
I don't know of any pure democracies. It's a frightening principle and that's why the distinction must be made. The majority should not have the ability to impose their will on the minority. There are many in the USA who are attempting to do just that. Every attempt by a majority to force its beliefs on everyone should be resisted. That is impossible in a democracy. It is possible in a republic. Our freedom depends on the distinction.
Tom Reese
