Ohio Roundtable: The Public Square - Democracy vs. Republic
Democracy vs. Republic
Here's a two minute history quiz. The American form of government is best defined
as: A) A democracy B) a constitutional republic C) who really cares?
What kind of government do we have here in America? If you listen to
politicians, the
media, even the President, you will constantly be told that America is a democracy. But
that is not only the wrong answer to the test; it is dangerous.
When America was founded, "democracy" was a dirty word. Democracy was the
fuel of the French revolution which created chaos, tyranny, and cost thousands their lives
at the guillotine.
Democracy in 1787 was understood as "mob rule." Democracy meant that
government could do whatever it wanted as long as 51% of the strongest crowd was willing
to support it. Democracy meant government not by the rule of law, but by the force of mob
power. Democracy was such a dangerous threat that George Washington was willing to come
out of retirement and take charge of the American military once again to go to war against
France.
America is not a democracy, nor should it be. Our form of government is based upon
constitutional laws which apply to everyone. Here, 51 percent of the people can disagree
with a law, but until they mount the effort to legally change that law, they are bound to
it. Here the mob does not rule, no matter what the public opinion polls say; and no one,
no matter how powerful, famous, or wealthy, is to be held above the law.
On September 17th, 1787, Dr. Benjamin Franklin finished his work at the great
Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. As he left the capitol, a lady asked him,
"Mr. Franklin, what have you given us?"
He replied, "A Republic, madame, if you can keep it."
So the next time you hear a news anchor reporter use the term democracy, remember:
it's a Republic.
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