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From: trb@drutx.UUCP (BuckleyTR)
Newsgroups: net.politics
Subject: Is this a Republic or a Democracy?
Message-ID: <2173@drutx.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 6-Mar-85 15:17:31 EST
Article-I.D.: drutx.2173
Posted: Wed Mar  6 15:17:31 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 7-Mar-85 05:50:36 EST
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver
Lines: 36


>> ... Besides the
>> fact that the United States is NOT a democracy (It's a Republic)
>> ...

> I've seen this statement on the net before.  In fact, the United States
> is a democratic republic, a place where we elect our representatives
> (the distinctive trait of a republic) in popular elections (the distinctive
> trait of a democracy). 
> 
> 						John Wallner
> 						bmcg!john

John, the important difference between a republic and democracy as
far as this country goes is that a republic is a rule of LAW, whereby
democracy is a rule of people, who could arbitrarily change the law
at whim or in the heat of passion. In the really far out sense 
democracy is nothing but mob rule.

Fortunately, this country still maintains some sembelance of
being a republic, and at least the Bill of Rights in the Constitution
hasn't been changed.

One can argue the petty differences in representative democratic
processes vs. direct participation, etc., but I believe it
very important that we realize that our country is supposed to
be ruled by law, the Constitution, and not the whims of
the masses.  Especially with TV around that can make or break
an opinion overnight.  That's why there are so many groups out
there with slogans like "This is a Republic, not a Democracy.
Let's keep it that way!"

Tom Buckley
AT&T Information Systems
ihnp4!drutx!trb
(303) 538-3442