Just in case anyone reading this thread has ever been flummoxed by this "we're not a democracy, we're a republic" bullshit...
"Republic" and "Democracy" are two among many adjectives that describe the US governmental system. Here's some other ones: "constitutional", "bicameral", "presidential", "liberal", "federal".
None of these words fully and accurately describe our system. None of these words are mutually exclusive of each other. They're just adjectives. Words that can be used to get you closer to the truth.
We have a system of government that relies on elections because it believes fundamental sovereignty flows from the will of the people. That defines us a democracy, regardless of whether votes are direct or indirect.
We have a system of government in which power sits in the hands of the public -- in our case via selected representatives selected through elections. We do not have a king or similar formal nobility. We fit the definition of a republic.
Most people who make this stupid argument are just being trolly, disingenuous twerps that get off on sounding clever. Ignore them if you don't have the will to clearly correct them. But a few of the people making this argument legitimately dislike democracy and want it done away with -- they are authoritarians and they are the enemy of the people.
More simply, a republic is a form of democracy. The people who say 'we're not a democracy, we're a republic' are basically saying 'that's not a dog, that's a golden retriever'.
That's not a schooner, it is a sailboat.
That kid is back on the escalator!
There are non-democratic republics. Fascist states often fall into that category.
One small correction: The US has a system of government in which power sits almost exclusively in the hands of the wealthy.
Just in case anyone reading this thread has ever been flummoxed by this "we're not a democracy, we're a republic" bullshit...
"Republic" and "Democracy" are two among many adjectives that describe the US governmental system. Here's some other ones: "constitutional", "bicameral", "presidential", "liberal", "federal".
None of these words fully and accurately describe our system. None of these words are mutually exclusive of each other. They're just adjectives. Words that can be used to get you closer to the truth.
We have a system of government that relies on elections because it believes fundamental sovereignty flows from the will of the people. That defines us a democracy, regardless of whether votes are direct or indirect.
We have a system of government in which power sits in the hands of the public -- in our case via selected representatives selected through elections. We do not have a king or similar formal nobility. We fit the definition of a republic.
Most people who make this stupid argument are just being trolly, disingenuous twerps that get off on sounding clever. Ignore them if you don't have the will to clearly correct them. But a few of the people making this argument legitimately dislike democracy and want it done away with -- they are authoritarians and they are the enemy of the people.
More simply, a republic is a form of democracy. The people who say 'we're not a democracy, we're a republic' are basically saying 'that's not a dog, that's a golden retriever'.
That's not a schooner, it is a sailboat.
That kid is back on the escalator!
There are non-democratic republics. Fascist states often fall into that category.
One small correction: The US has a system of government in which power sits almost exclusively in the hands of the wealthy.
https://www.globalresearch.ca/study-congress-literally-doesnt-care-what-you-think/5466723
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