Is America a Democracy or Republic?
To find out, just answer four questions. However, before you begin, there is something you need to know.
The way to solve most problems is to begin with clear and accurate definitions. Inaccurate or nebulous definitions lead to uncertainty and failure in resolving social problems.
A perfect example of working with an inaccurate and nebulous definition is the concept of "Democracy." "Democracy" is credited with two definitions — one is accurate, the other is not.
Democracy:
Government in which the numerical majority makes decisions binding on the whole group.
Government by the people or by their elected representatives.
The first definition is precise and easily understood. As such, it leads to clarity rather than confusion. In contrast, the second definition is inclusive of many forms of government. This nebulous (widely-inclusive) definition leads to uncertainty. It is because of this uncertainty that people cannot distinguish between a "Constitutional Democracy," a "Representative Democracy," a "Direct Democracy," and a "Republic." As we shall see, these forms of government are dissimilar. Yet, according to the second definition, all or them would qualify as "Democracy." How is referring to so many unique forms of government under one label useful?
This exercise will remove the uncertainty, enabling us to differentiate these dissimilar forms of government. To do so, we must suspend momentarily the second (nebulous) definition.
We don't need the second definition because the first one accurately defines democracy as "the majority makes the rules."
Do you agree with our analysis to this point?