Democracy or Republic?

By

Stephen L. Riley

            There is a great deal of reference by the media and sadly, even by many of our elected officials to “our democracy” or “this democracy” when referring to our government.  The Founding Fathers of our nation wisely established a Republic, not a Democracy, and there are many important differences.  The differences can be debated and argued in many ways but the best and simplest definition I have found to date is the on printed in The Soldiers Training Manual issued by the United States War Department, November 30, 1928 which follows in it’s entirety.

TM2000-25:  118-120

DEMOCRACY:

A government of the masses.

Authority derived through mass meeting or any other form of direct expression.

Results in mobocracy.

Attitude toward law is that the will of the majority shall regulate, whether it be based upon deliberation or governed by passion, prejudice, and impulse, without restraint or regard to consequences.

Results in demogogism, license, agitation, discontent, anarchy.

TM 2000-25:  120-121

REPUBLIC:

Authority is derived through the election by the people of public officials best fitted to represent them.

Attitude toward property is respect for laws and individual rights, and a sensible economic procedure.

Attitude toward law is the administration of justice in accord with fixed principles and established evidence, with a strict regard to consequences.

A greater number of citizens and extent of territory my be brought within it’s compass.

Avoids the dangerous extreme of either tyranny or mobocracy.  Results in statesmanship, liberty, reason, justice, contentment, and progress.

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