Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 (Denver Mods 7/26/84) 6/24/83; site drutx.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!ihnp4!drutx!trb 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