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67 sats \ 2 replies \ @Bell_curve 22 Jul \ on: Are We a Democracy or a Republic? AGORA
The architects of the Federalist Papers, Jay, Madison and Hamilton were not fans of democracy. USA was founded as a Republic, even the Article of Confederation from 1776 - 1889.
The biggest change with the 1789 Constitution was a stronger Executive branch.
The Progressive movement between 1900 and 1920 sought to democratize the country and states and was essentially a project to overturn and dismantle the Constitution of 1789
From Brave search AI...
The terms "republic" and "democracy" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct origins and connotations. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
Republic
Originates from the Latin phrase "res publica," meaning "public affair" or "commonwealth."
Emphasizes the idea of a government that serves the public interest, rather than a monarch or individual.
Typically characterized by:
+ Elected representatives who govern on behalf of the people.
+ A system of checks and balances to prevent abuse of power.
+ Protection of individual rights and liberties through a constitution or bill of rights.
Examples: United States, France, and ancient Rome (Roman Republic).
Democracy
Derived from the Greek words "demos" (people) and "kratia" (power or rule).
Focuses on the direct participation of citizens in the decision-making process.
Typically characterized by:
+ Direct voting by citizens on laws and policies.
+ Equal participation and representation of all citizens.
+ Majority rule, where the will of the majority prevails.
Examples: Ancient Athens, some modern city-states or municipalities, and theoretical models of direct democracy.
Key differences
- Representation: A republic typically involves elected representatives who govern on behalf of the people, whereas a democracy often involves direct participation by citizens.
- Scope: A republic can refer to a national government, while a democracy can be applied to smaller units, such as cities or towns.
- Constitutional framework: A republic often has a written constitution that protects individual rights and limits government power, whereas a democracy may rely more on custom, tradition, or majority rule.
The United States
The Founding Fathers envisioned a republic, with a system of representative democracy.
The Constitution establishes a federal system with elected representatives, checks and balances, and protections for individual rights.
- While the US is often referred to as a democracy, it is more accurately described as a federal constitutional representative republic.
In summary, while both republics and democracies prioritize the will of the people, the key differences lie in the nature of representation, scope, and constitutional framework. The United States, as a federal constitutional representative republic, embodies elements of both, making it a unique blend of republican and democratic principles.
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You are correct. They succeeded in dismantling the Constitution and Bill of Rights, 10th amendment especially
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