Open Republic

A Republic is a country that is ruled by its people, usually a vast majority that will contribute to the directing of the country in favor of the majority’s preference. This form of government has been seen repeated over and over throughout history. The United States is considered a constitutional republic where in representatives are elected then govern within the constitutional laws. Because these officials and representatives have to stay within predetermined constitutional laws and are elected to the position rather that inheriting it, the United States is a constitutional republic. However there is often some confusion considering today a republic is often referred to a country that does not practice direct democracy. In the United States the form of democracy that is utilized is representative democracy, in which the government is controlled through its officials that are elect by the people. So is the United States a republic or a democracy? A republic and an democracy have mainly one differentiating factor, the authority to rule is bestowed on one person in a republic and a group of people in a democracy.

editor’s note: we received the following comment on this subject from professor Rollin Jacoby, editor Legalese

The simple difference between a republic and a democracy is the rule of law. While on the surface a democracy seems to be the ideal, in fact it has a harmful side effect. What happens when the majority wants to do something that harms those who disagree? The solution is viable because we are a republic, not a democracy. If the majority chose to do something against the law, the law should prevail in a republic. In a pure democracy, the majority would always get its way. Even with a representative democracy where the people elect representatives like we do in the United States, we are technically a republic because of the sanctity of the law. In fact it’s the reason our rights are protected. It protects minorities from being harmed by the majority.

And what happens if you are harmed by a majority decision? If the rule of law is paramount, you have recourse via the justice system. The ultimate issue is rights and your ability to control your destiny. Control is key, and is something we surrender only when there are no other options. It’s part of our everyday lives – like the internet, golf, or the language we use toward each other. If needed you can obtain control over your internet image by recourse via seo. If you want to teach your kid to have control over that golf ball – get them started with junior golf clubs. Perfection takes practice both in politics and golf. You control the language used by your child by enforcing rules of the house (which is probably not a democratic endeavor). But if you want control over the actions of your government, a republic offers both the rule of law and protection against injustice caused by the majority. Democracy is the word we all think we know so well, but the drawbacks to a pure democracy are significant. Minorities must sometimes be offered protection from the control of the majority.

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