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A Republic, If WE can keep it.
Manage episode 404581530 series 2895875
The key difference between a democracy and a republic lies in the limits placed on government by the law, which has implications for minority rights. Both forms of government tend to use a representational system — i.e., citizens vote to elect politicians to represent their interests and form the government.
In a republic, a constitution or charter of rights protects certain inalienable rights that cannot be taken away by the government, even if it has been elected by a majority of voters.
In a "pure democracy," the majority is not restrained in this way and can impose its will on the minority.
Most modern nations—including the United States—are democratic republics with a constitution, which can be amended by a popularly elected government.
In the case of America, the state's representatives can ALSO amend our constitution.
This comparison therefore contrasts the form of government in most countries today with a theoretical construct of a "pure democracy", mainly to highlight the features of a republic.
The Birth of Democracy Video
The Birth of Democracy | The Greeks downloaded from PBS LearningMedia, https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/thegreeks_ep2_clip04/thegreeks_ep2_clip04/
The Constitution: Why A Republic?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NRjGJA3Nwg
Article V Explained
463 episodes
Manage episode 404581530 series 2895875
The key difference between a democracy and a republic lies in the limits placed on government by the law, which has implications for minority rights. Both forms of government tend to use a representational system — i.e., citizens vote to elect politicians to represent their interests and form the government.
In a republic, a constitution or charter of rights protects certain inalienable rights that cannot be taken away by the government, even if it has been elected by a majority of voters.
In a "pure democracy," the majority is not restrained in this way and can impose its will on the minority.
Most modern nations—including the United States—are democratic republics with a constitution, which can be amended by a popularly elected government.
In the case of America, the state's representatives can ALSO amend our constitution.
This comparison therefore contrasts the form of government in most countries today with a theoretical construct of a "pure democracy", mainly to highlight the features of a republic.
The Birth of Democracy Video
The Birth of Democracy | The Greeks downloaded from PBS LearningMedia, https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/thegreeks_ep2_clip04/thegreeks_ep2_clip04/
The Constitution: Why A Republic?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NRjGJA3Nwg
Article V Explained
463 episodes
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