So I had an interesting argument with a neighbor the other night, and I thought it worthy for all six of you reading this. We talked about the difference b/w a republic and democracy, and how this country is not a democracy with majority rule (my argument).
The fundamental difference being that a democracy in its truest sense is governed by the rule of man, or mob rule. A simple majority vote decides everything. On the other hand, a republic is governed by the rule of law, on the foundation that we elect and are proportionately represented by a LIMITED government. A republic leads to greater stability, due to the controls in place on our government and its branches. The Constitution was written primarily to restrict the powers of the Federal Government, not enforce the will of elected officials. The power resides with the people.
This link discusses the difference of the two forms of gov't and links to some writings by John Adams and the Federalist papers as well. Boring reading, way above my intellect, but it differentiates the forms of gov't and the problems created by a democracy. http://www.lexrex.com/enlightened/AmericanIdeal/aspects/demrep.html
To put it in present-day terms, I don't think either party is fulfilling their duties of limited gov't or the ideal of a republic. Even GW has got it all wrong. We have created a state of handouts and gimmes, and our gov't has become its own worst enemy in providing effective leadership. I'm embarassed by many Republican leaders who in no way represent the conservative ideals that I strongly believe in. I'd like to see a mass exodus of current party leadership replaced with a new wave of truly conservative leaders focused on re-focusing gov't efforts on what it was originally intended to do under our Constitution.
Quick example of a democracy: 3 wolves and 1 sheep take a vote to decide whats for dinner. Majority rules
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