Republic vs. Democracy

We tried asking people on the street in Utah what form of government our Founders gave us here in America. The results aren't pretty. More at www.UtahsRepublic.org.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• republic
• democracy
• education
• civics

[GnomesAmok]

You people have no idea what you're talking about. The American government is not a democracy and its NOT a republic, it is a nuanced mix. Called representative democracy constrained by the constitution.

[oakn3]

@GnomesAmok : please read article 4, section 4 of the constitution. The Framers guaranteed a republican form of government to every state. The United States is a republic of republics.

[oakn3]

Saying "democratic Republic" is correct because democratic is a process whereby we vote in our officials. Saying "Democracy" is a form of government which is the issue this video is really dealing with. Many countries claim to be a "Republic" and use it in their title such as Iran, the USSR, China, etc... but it's just a lie while they try to sound like one. In those countries you don't have inalienable rights and local control is nonexistent. In the U.S. local control should be supreme.

[skullcrushernz]

It's my opinion, sure i can get how that's easily dismissed. But i think all you need to do is look at the state of your country, think about how much say you actually have. Just the other day a Indefinite Detention Bill was Passed in the Senate, which i bet you didn't even know about, but it undermines your liberty in every way. Did you have any say over that? NO. Your government is much too big and has way too much power. Many would agree with me.

-RON PAUL 2012-

Peace out.

[antred11]

I hate these stupid plays on semantics. In itself there is nothing that necessarily sets a "democracy" apart from a "republic". There may be numerous nations that call themselves one or the other and that have different political implementations of democracy / republicanism, I'll give you that.

[kskipwith74]

I have to agree that most people base their decisions on emotion rather than logic which is why we need some form of law. I would rather the law be based on the majority rather than the minority. It's clear that most laws that have passed was not based on what The People wanted (or knew about). What do you think would be the best and fair way to handle the predicament our country is in? Ron Paul for president may be a good start though he has said some things he shouldn't have.

[skullcrushernz]

Indeed, I agree.

But in a democracy can you really trust that the majority will make well thought out logical, rational decisions, where they have considered different options and sources. I personally don't think they can cause the general public aren't the most critically thinking.. They're basically spoon fed info from tv and mainstream media without actually thinking about it themselves, in other words the public are very easy to persuade. That's personally why I don't agree with Democracy

[skullcrushernz]

Very true,but the republic is what made America such a prosperous nation in the first place, but slowly it has been eroded by corruption.

I study Rome, and the exact same thing happened to them. They created a Republic and became one of the most powerful nations, but soon power hungry politicians began dismantling their constitution for their own interests, it soon became a "Democracy" and eventually an Oligarchy under the progression of the Caesars. Then Rome collapsed.. See the paradox?

[kskipwith74]

@skullcrushernz Business decisions made by these corporations affect our lives tremendously. Not only can these decisions determine if the working class will have a job tomorrow but politicians are more attentive to the needs and ideas of the corporations than to their constituents. Corruption is rampant and it's time for people to wake the hell up!!

[kskipwith74]

@skullcrushernz Our system has operated as a democracy. Not a majoritarian democracy and not a egalitarian democracy but a liberal democracy which promote majority rules but combines it with civil liberties and protection for our rights under the constitution. I do agree tat we now resemble an oligachy.

[kskipwith74]

@skullcrushernz You stated "they formed a republic, which is the most fair and stable..." It seems to be that the "Republic" that was formed has failed and didn't last. Instead of focusing on the so-called failure of democracy which was not the form of the US government (as u pointed out), you should instead acknowledge the failure and fall of the republic. The Republic is NOT and has never been a fair form of government which is why it didn't last.PERIOD.

[skullcrushernz]

Alright Mr Grumpy... Well why aren't I allowed an opinion? I'm not saying it's fact or anything i'm just commenting my thoughts.

You're obviously a angry person, i'm sorry that you'd get so worked up over something like this. haha. But chill man. You should YouTube 'types of government explained' and watch the first video, that helped me formulate my "BS opinion" haha. but check it out anyway cause it's got some good info.

[GnomesAmok]

@skullcrushernz

Its your OPINION? Its your "opinion" that the government is an oligarchy? So your basically admitting that its not based on fact or information of any kind, its just your bullshit opinion. Your fucking opinion is worthless. How many people agree with you is worthless. What matters is fact and evidence and information. People like you, who go around thinking they know what they're talking about when they have no fucking clue, are the problem.