Beyond just worthy of note, it would seem it should be a bit puzzling (if not concerning) that so many among us continue to use the misleading term “our democracy.” Especially those within the ranks of our government. And especially since there is very sound reason why our United States Pledge of Allegiance refers to our country as a Republic and our Declaration of Independence and Constitution do not mention the word democracy.
Yes, our country’s founders were very aware of the failures of prior democracies, such as ancient Athens and Rome. They feared creating a government having too many similarities to a pure democracy. They especially recognized the importance of ensuring the right of political dissent and protecting minority groups and individuals from the tyranny of the majority.
They knew that a pure democracy could result in mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people could take away the rights of the other forty-nine. And, through their experience, insight, and great wisdom, they put in place a one-of-its-kind constitutional republic—not a pure democracy.
In so doing they passed to us a very special form of government where sovereignty deliberately rests with we the people. Where we may act on our own or through our elected representatives to deal with issues, where our government is a servant of its people—where our government’s power comes from and is limited by its citizens.
Of course of our Constitutional Republic does include some likeness to a democracy, such as our use of democratic processes to elect our representatives, pass new laws, etc. However, as opposed to a democracy, our U.S. Constitution limits our government’s power and spells out how our government is to be structured.
As a result, our Constitutional Republic is divided into three separate but equal branches of government. The Executive (Presidency), Legislative (Congress), and Judicial (Courts). Our Constitution establishes that no branch has absolute power, therefore providing special checks and balances on our government system and protection for the “rule of law.”
Hence, our U.S. Constitution is the life-blood of our truly unique and ever so precious “Republic”—especially designed to recognize and protect our unalienable (God-given) Rights of Life, Liberty, and pursuit of Happiness. An “individual liberty” safe-haven we must unfailingly protect and preserve. A most crucial responsibility that must begin with our having a fact-based understanding of, and due appreciation for, the true by-design nature and intent of—not “our democracy”—but, rather, “our constitutional republic.” One we must not let fall prey to foreign and domestic threats—none the least, that of an ever-growing government too often loaded with self-serving, self-perpetuating, power and influence craving officials.
It has often been written that, at the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, a lady asked Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers, “What have we got, a republic or a monarch?” Reportedly, his response was, “A republic if you can keep it.”
It has often been written that, at the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, a lady asked Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers, “What have we got, a republic or a monarch?” Reportedly, his response was, “A republic if you can keep it.”
—William James Moore
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[The above was also included in the Public Mind section on page 3 of the Parsons Sun’s Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, November 19-20, 2022 Edition.]