Republic vs. Democracy

I want to begin with a series of posts concerning the American Government. This first is an explanation of what the difference is between a republic, and a democracy. We have all heard both terms used in speaking of our Country at various times, and it is important for us to understand the difference.

 

A republic is a state in which the supreme power resides in the body of citizens entitled to vote, and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them. The republic is based on the idea that man is the supreme power, and a monarchy is looked upon by such with horror. The word ‘republic’ comes from the Latin ‘res publica’ meaning ‘the people’s thing’.  
 In contrast, Democracy comes from the Greek words ‘demos kratos’ and means rules of the people. There are two different aspects of democracy. There is a direct democracy, and a representative democracy. Direct Democracy is where the people come together and make plans to the end of what the country should do. (e.g. when the colonies were first joined together, there wasn’t really any particular ruler of congress, but everyone voted upon what should be done politically.)
 A Representative Democracy is where the people choose a particular person that they consider capable of ruling, through popular vote. The problem with a Representative Democracy, is that the polls can be rigged to elect an individual. This is evidenced in The People’s Republic of China, and The Democratic People’s Republic of [North] Korea.
The American Government is a mix of them both, with a decided leaning towards a republic. Americans are proud of their heritage, and want to keep it at what it was originally, but are deceived if they think that it has stayed the same. As Election Day comes around again, let us all remember from where our Country came, and how we want it to proceed. So I leave you with these questions: What do we really want the Government to be like? What are you going to do about it?
in Christ,
Marissa