Democracy vs. Republic
Diffen › Social Sciences › Civics
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 where citizens vote to elect politicians to represent their interests and form the government. However, 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 are democratic republics with a constitution, which can be amended by a popularly elected government.
Comparison chart
Democracy versus Republic comparison chart
Democracy Republic
Definition is ruled by the omnipotent majority. In a democracy, an individual, and any group of individuals composing any minority, have no protection against the unlimited power of the majority. It is a case of Majority-over-Man. A republic is similar to a representative democracy except it has a written constitution of basic rights that protect the minority from being completely unrepresented or overridden by the majority.
Constraints on the government No; the majority can impose its will on the minority. Yes; the majority cannot take away certain inalienable rights.
Philosophy All eligible citizens get equal say in decisions. All eligible citizens get equal say in decisions with protection of unalienable rights to individuals.
Famous Examples Classical Greece, Rome United States Of America
Sovereignty is held by the whole population (as a group) the people (individuals)
Common confusion in the USA People commonly confuse directdemocracy with representative democracy. The US officially has a representative style, though many have suggested the US is closer to an oligarchy or plutocracy. The US is actually a Republic. It is governed by rule of law. The elected are bound by oath to the written governing limits (ie constitution) yet vote "together" and create laws to address concerns of the represented in a democratic way
Free Choice Individuals may make decisions for themselves except insofar as a majority faction has limited individuals. Individuals may make decisions for themselves, especially insofar as there is a constitutional prohibition on interfering with freedom of choice.
Political System Democratic. [Note: this is not meant as a reference to a Democratic Party.] Republican. [Note: this is not meant as a reference to a Republican Party.]
Social Structure Class distinctions can become pronounced due to capitalist society. Varies from state to state. Class distinctions can become pronounced due to capitalist society. Varies from state to state.
Religion Generally, freedom of religion is permitted, although a majority faction may limit religious freedom for a minority faction. Generally, freedom of religion is permitted, especially insofar as there is a constitutional prohibition on interfering with freedom of religion.
Economic System Elected by the voters or their elected representatives. Usuallycapitalist or Keynesian. Elected by the voters or their elected representatives. Usuallycapitalist or Keynesian.
Private Property Generally, private property is permitted, although a majority faction may place limits on property rights. Generally, private property is permitted, especially insofar as there is a constitutional prohibition on interfering with property rights.
Discrimination In theory, all citizens have an equal say and so are treated equally. However, often allows for the tyranny of the majority over the minority. In theory, all citizens have an equal say and so are treated equally by the government, especially insofar as there is a constitutional prohibition on government discrimination.
Variations Direct democracy, parliamentary democracy, representative democracy, presidential democracy. Democratic republics, Constitutional republics.
Modern Examples More than half of the world, including the US, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, etc. The United States of America is a republic.
Key Elements Free elections. Free elections, constitution.
Way of Change Voting. Voting.
Observation in practice People commonly confuse direct democracy with representative democracy. The US has a representative style. But the will of the people shouldnt easily decide to change the rules that limit power to the government. The U.S.A.'s Constitution clearly shows the U.S. as a Republic, Article 4, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution
Contents: Democracy vs Republic
founders disagreed regarding the role of the federal government, none sought to build a pure democracy.
"We are now forming a republican government. Real liberty is neither found in despotism or the extremes of democracy, but in moderate governments." —Alexander Hamilton"It is, that in a democracy, the people meet and exercise the government in person: in a republic, they assemble and administer it by their representatives and agents. A democracy, consequently, must be confined to a small spot. A republic may be extended over a large region." —James Madison
Americans directly elect council members, governors, state representatives and senators, and numerous other officials. (However, senators were indirectly elected in the past.) Some other officials, such as mayors, may or may not be directly elected.[1]
The president is indirectly elected via the electoral college. The legislative and executive branches then appoint a variety of officials to their positions. For example, the president (executive branch) nominates a justice to the Supreme Court when a seat needs to be filled; the Senate (legislative branch) must confirm this nomination.
Jim Crow laws mandating racial segregation were deemed unconstitutional and were repealed, and in Brown v. Board of Education, the U.S. Supreme Court repealed state-sponsored school segregation.
In 1967, with Loving v. Virginia, the Supreme Court overturned all remaining anti-miscegenation laws which banned interracial relationships, including marriages. In the 1800s, however, the court had ruled in favor of states' rights to ban interracial sex, cohabitation, and marriage. This illustrates the power of cultural mores, which influence the interpretation of the constitution.
In more recent cases, the 2010 healthcare reform bill (a.k.a. Obamacare) was challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court because it forces individuals to buy health insurance. The law was passed by a majority in Congress, but critics claim that it violates individual liberties by forcing individuals to engage in commerce, a power that the government does not have in this republic. Ultimately, the Court ruled the individual mandate was constitutional but that states should not be required to expand Medicaid.
Another example is California Proposition 8, a state constitutional amendment in which a majority of voters in California voted to make same-sex marriages illegal. Critics of the law argue that this violates the individual liberties of gay and lesbian couples, and the majority does not have a right to do that in a republic.While courts in California upheld the amendment deeming it constitutional, a federal court overturned it, judging that it was unconstitutional under both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Yet another example is Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010). Citizens United is a conservative organization that sued the Federal Election Commission over its restrictions on campaign financing. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Citizens United, saying that the restriction of an organization or corporation's right to fund a political campaign is a restriction of that entity's free speech rights under the First Amendment.
If the U.S. was not a republic, laws passed by the government (elected by majority) could not be challenged. The fact that the Supreme Court (and, indeed, lower courts too) gets to judge which laws are constitutional and has the power to uphold or overturn laws it judges to be unconstitutional demonstrates that the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution are higher authorities than the will of the majority at any given time.
democracy or republic, however, is difficult. Many countries, tribes, and cultures had at least some democratic or republican procedures. For example, voting on community matters, electing elders to power, and even creating rules regarding individual rights have occurred on small and sometimes larger scales.
Even so, the most well-documented early democracy was found in Athens, Greece, and established around 500 BCE.[2] Under Athenian democracy, the people voted on every law. This was a pure or direct democracy where the majority had nearly complete control over rights and progress.
The most well-documented historical representational republic is the Roman Republic, which developed shortly after Athenian democracy, again around 500 BCE. The rule of law favored by the Roman Republic remains popular in most of today's governments. It is worth noting that the Roman Republic had an unwritten constitution that was constantly adapting to changing principles.[3]
Democracies and Republics Today
Despite the common use of the word "democracy" and the desire to "spread democracy," most countries throughout the world today govern as republics. However, republics differ widely, with some operating under a presidential system, where the people directly or nearly-directly elect a president who is the head of the government; a parliamentary system, where the people elect a legislature who decides the executive branch; and even constitutional and parliamentary monarchies that tend to behave as republics but often have royal figureheads.
Source: http://www.diffen.com/difference/Democracy_vs_Republic
Diffen › Social Sciences › Civics
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 where citizens vote to elect politicians to represent their interests and form the government. However, 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 are democratic republics with a constitution, which can be amended by a popularly elected government.
Comparison chart
Democracy versus Republic comparison chart
Democracy RepublicDefinition is ruled by the omnipotent majority. In a democracy, an individual, and any group of individuals composing any minority, have no protection against the unlimited power of the majority. It is a case of Majority-over-Man. A republic is similar to a representative democracy except it has a written constitution of basic rights that protect the minority from being completely unrepresented or overridden by the majority.
Constraints on the government No; the majority can impose its will on the minority. Yes; the majority cannot take away certain inalienable rights.
Philosophy All eligible citizens get equal say in decisions. All eligible citizens get equal say in decisions with protection of unalienable rights to individuals.
Famous Examples Classical Greece, Rome United States Of America
Sovereignty is held by the whole population (as a group) the people (individuals)
Common confusion in the USA People commonly confuse directdemocracy with representative democracy. The US officially has a representative style, though many have suggested the US is closer to an oligarchy or plutocracy. The US is actually a Republic. It is governed by rule of law. The elected are bound by oath to the written governing limits (ie constitution) yet vote "together" and create laws to address concerns of the represented in a democratic way
Free Choice Individuals may make decisions for themselves except insofar as a majority faction has limited individuals. Individuals may make decisions for themselves, especially insofar as there is a constitutional prohibition on interfering with freedom of choice.
Political System Democratic. [Note: this is not meant as a reference to a Democratic Party.] Republican. [Note: this is not meant as a reference to a Republican Party.]
Social Structure Class distinctions can become pronounced due to capitalist society. Varies from state to state. Class distinctions can become pronounced due to capitalist society. Varies from state to state.
Religion Generally, freedom of religion is permitted, although a majority faction may limit religious freedom for a minority faction. Generally, freedom of religion is permitted, especially insofar as there is a constitutional prohibition on interfering with freedom of religion.
Economic System Elected by the voters or their elected representatives. Usuallycapitalist or Keynesian. Elected by the voters or their elected representatives. Usuallycapitalist or Keynesian.
Private Property Generally, private property is permitted, although a majority faction may place limits on property rights. Generally, private property is permitted, especially insofar as there is a constitutional prohibition on interfering with property rights.
Discrimination In theory, all citizens have an equal say and so are treated equally. However, often allows for the tyranny of the majority over the minority. In theory, all citizens have an equal say and so are treated equally by the government, especially insofar as there is a constitutional prohibition on government discrimination.
Variations Direct democracy, parliamentary democracy, representative democracy, presidential democracy. Democratic republics, Constitutional republics.
Modern Examples More than half of the world, including the US, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, etc. The United States of America is a republic.
Key Elements Free elections. Free elections, constitution.
Way of Change Voting. Voting.
Observation in practice People commonly confuse direct democracy with representative democracy. The US has a representative style. But the will of the people shouldnt easily decide to change the rules that limit power to the government. The U.S.A.'s Constitution clearly shows the U.S. as a Republic, Article 4, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution
Contents: Democracy vs Republic
- 3 Is the United States a Democracy or Republic?
- 4 History of Democracies and Republics
- 5 Democracies and Republics Today
- 6 References
founders disagreed regarding the role of the federal government, none sought to build a pure democracy.
"We are now forming a republican government. Real liberty is neither found in despotism or the extremes of democracy, but in moderate governments." —Alexander Hamilton"It is, that in a democracy, the people meet and exercise the government in person: in a republic, they assemble and administer it by their representatives and agents. A democracy, consequently, must be confined to a small spot. A republic may be extended over a large region." —James Madison
Americans directly elect council members, governors, state representatives and senators, and numerous other officials. (However, senators were indirectly elected in the past.) Some other officials, such as mayors, may or may not be directly elected.[1]
The president is indirectly elected via the electoral college. The legislative and executive branches then appoint a variety of officials to their positions. For example, the president (executive branch) nominates a justice to the Supreme Court when a seat needs to be filled; the Senate (legislative branch) must confirm this nomination.
Jim Crow laws mandating racial segregation were deemed unconstitutional and were repealed, and in Brown v. Board of Education, the U.S. Supreme Court repealed state-sponsored school segregation.
In 1967, with Loving v. Virginia, the Supreme Court overturned all remaining anti-miscegenation laws which banned interracial relationships, including marriages. In the 1800s, however, the court had ruled in favor of states' rights to ban interracial sex, cohabitation, and marriage. This illustrates the power of cultural mores, which influence the interpretation of the constitution.
In more recent cases, the 2010 healthcare reform bill (a.k.a. Obamacare) was challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court because it forces individuals to buy health insurance. The law was passed by a majority in Congress, but critics claim that it violates individual liberties by forcing individuals to engage in commerce, a power that the government does not have in this republic. Ultimately, the Court ruled the individual mandate was constitutional but that states should not be required to expand Medicaid.
Another example is California Proposition 8, a state constitutional amendment in which a majority of voters in California voted to make same-sex marriages illegal. Critics of the law argue that this violates the individual liberties of gay and lesbian couples, and the majority does not have a right to do that in a republic.While courts in California upheld the amendment deeming it constitutional, a federal court overturned it, judging that it was unconstitutional under both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Yet another example is Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010). Citizens United is a conservative organization that sued the Federal Election Commission over its restrictions on campaign financing. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Citizens United, saying that the restriction of an organization or corporation's right to fund a political campaign is a restriction of that entity's free speech rights under the First Amendment.
If the U.S. was not a republic, laws passed by the government (elected by majority) could not be challenged. The fact that the Supreme Court (and, indeed, lower courts too) gets to judge which laws are constitutional and has the power to uphold or overturn laws it judges to be unconstitutional demonstrates that the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution are higher authorities than the will of the majority at any given time.
democracy or republic, however, is difficult. Many countries, tribes, and cultures had at least some democratic or republican procedures. For example, voting on community matters, electing elders to power, and even creating rules regarding individual rights have occurred on small and sometimes larger scales.
Even so, the most well-documented early democracy was found in Athens, Greece, and established around 500 BCE.[2] Under Athenian democracy, the people voted on every law. This was a pure or direct democracy where the majority had nearly complete control over rights and progress.
The most well-documented historical representational republic is the Roman Republic, which developed shortly after Athenian democracy, again around 500 BCE. The rule of law favored by the Roman Republic remains popular in most of today's governments. It is worth noting that the Roman Republic had an unwritten constitution that was constantly adapting to changing principles.[3]
Democracies and Republics Today
Despite the common use of the word "democracy" and the desire to "spread democracy," most countries throughout the world today govern as republics. However, republics differ widely, with some operating under a presidential system, where the people directly or nearly-directly elect a president who is the head of the government; a parliamentary system, where the people elect a legislature who decides the executive branch; and even constitutional and parliamentary monarchies that tend to behave as republics but often have royal figureheads.
Source: http://www.diffen.com/difference/Democracy_vs_Republic
