Democracy vs. Republic - Do you know the difference? - Aaron Russo / Alex Jones

Aaron Russo, famous filmmaker turned activist, gives an important wake up call as he explains the differences between living in a pure democracy vs living in a republic.

Constitutional FAQ
http://www.usconstitution.net/constfaq_q76.html
"The United States is a federal republic and a constitutional representative democracy."

Important Distinction: Democracy vs. Republic
http://www.lexrex.com/enlightened/AmericanIdeal/aspects/demrep.html
"The American philosophy and system of government thus bar equally the "snob-rule" of a governing Elite and the "mob-rule" of an Omnipotent Majority. This is designed, above all else, to preclude the existence in America of any governmental power capable of being misused so as to violate The Individual's rights--to endanger the people's liberties."

Constitutional Republic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_republic
"In a constitutional republic, no person or group [can] rise to absolute power."

Full 90 minute interview here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGAaPjqdbgQ

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• democracy
• republic
• aaron russo
• alex jones

[MCTales89]

The United States is BOTH a federal constitutional republic AND a representative democracy (and to a certain extant below the national level, a direct democracy). Democracies and republics are NOT mutually exclusive.

[anthonyc31]

@MCTales89 Thanks for point out the finer details. I just posted a reply before this, but wanted to do a bit more reading before assuming what you posted was correct. I found a few links to and put them in the description of the video so others can read for themselves.

[Chewbacca1978]

It's a Republic. Ive been saying that for years. :)

[cpfohl65]

I meet Aaron many years ago and helped him in Nevada.... I miss our talk and your friendship...

[SablePhoenixBlu1]

Mr. Aaron Russo is right. The U.S.A. is a Republic, not a democracy. 

A corporation is a democracy.

,

[eddieisfiction]

@pecosdave I was just speaking in the terms of classroom law. But yeah you are right about that.

[pecosdave]

@eddieisfiction

Unfortunately the constitution does NOT override everything, but it's supposed to. I've had enough happen with my own court case, there's enough happening with our drug laws and accepted abuse of the interstate commerce clause to a level there's no longer an illusion that the constitution is even read by those with the keys. Why did we need a constitutional amendment to outlaw alcohol but "I say so" to outlaw ephedrine? The constitution went early 20th century

[eddieisfiction]

WE ARE BOTH!

United States is a constitutional republic and within the constitution it states elections for political office with a bicameral legislature and a president elected with the electoral college vote (indirect democracy aka representative democracy.)

Of course the constition overrides everything... but even with a democratic vote, it can be amended... by either 3/4s of the legislature, or 3/4s of the states. It has the ability to be both, or neither... enough rope to hang yourself