Today we are faced with a misunderstanding that many Americans are blinded by our Founding Fathers not wanting a democracy but a republic instead.
The United States of America was founded over 200 years ago. Though, it did not happen over night. Our Founding Fathers took many historic allies' and enemies' experiences in to account when forming The Nation. Some of these influences date back to the Roman era, the Reformation and the British Civil Wars. However, those are only a few out of all the influences. The Founders had to establish a great nation on the basis of "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
Below are five reasons why many Americans misunderstand the word "democracy."
1. Power is for the people.
Democracy actually represents the whole population and not individual people. Therefore, democracy would give the power to a population and not to individuals. A republic allows individual people to have a voice, while protecting their rights. This ensures the power is with all people.
2. You can't spell democracy without freedom.
A republic allows the freedom of choice and allows individuals to make their on decisions. It also permits the freedom of religion, citing that no law can interfere with that religion.
3. The pursuit of property.
A democracy places limits on the private property and a republic does not let the law interfere with property rights.
4. Equality and democracy.
A republic allows everyone to be equal and to have an equal say in all aspects of the government. A democracy, however, only allows for the tyranny of the majority over the minority.
5. The law of the land.
In a democracy the law regulates the masses, whether that is based upon deliberation or governed by passion, prejudice and impulse, without restraint or regard to consequences. A republic is based on the voting by the people of representatives that best fits them.
Much of today's society has lost the true meaning of the founding of the nation. It was based on the idea of "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" for every individual not the majority of our nation.
