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The American Government

Alright, so in my history classes and government classes, I have been confronted by America being a Constitutional Republic, and not a Democracy. I have read the definitions on each and the Constitutional Republic fits the bill more than a Democracy. What are your thoughts on this, and why do you think people still proclaim America to be a great Democracy if you truly don't believe it is one?

Government American The

With your government 'rescuing' everyone their looking more like socialists to me. Actually, the general definition for socialism gives a lot of central power to the government and your forefathers wanted to give more power to the States I believe. Democracy is just a loose term for "what the majority wants" as far as I can see.

The American Government History & Civil Business Politics

I believe we are a republic. I know we are not a democracy as it is the few who are getting what they want not the majority.

I do not know if we will ever get to the socialist part but if we as a whole do not watch out I can see it happening pretty easily.

Government American The

I think the reason why the government tries to always save people leans more onto the right-side. Because, if it were socialist, the government would control the distribution of goods to people, therefor assisting people by controlling them, thus making the country more prosperous by not allowing people to absorb the wealth. This is usually done by a large sense of national pride, being that nobody will follow such loss of freedoms without this pride, usually brought on by propaganda. In which case the leader tries to help the people by controlling them. But, more than likely most senators do it for personal gain and reputation, oh yeah and it benefits the people. I'm actually pretty sure if our nation were a socialist nation we would prosper at the sacrifice of the certain "Unalienable Rights" as defined in the constitution. Also, when you look at the political spectrum, even the Liberals are still on the right side. I should probably find a graph or something for you guys.

So, in other words, the only thing keeping this country from going to the extreme on either side is the constitution. Also, we have a bunch of suits deciding what should be done, in the place of the people. That defines a Constitutional Republic right?

Edited: Rhieland on 21st Oct, 2008 - 7:49pm

Government American The

I would agree that it does. Could any confusion be brought into this equation from the fact that our government and policies claim we are one thing but then the underlying controls pushes those values the country is founded on towards the back burner.

USA was founded so that all were to be equal with equal chance for success but the top corporations now control the leaders. These corporations or elite few desire to keep the asses working to make them money and never really have a chance to greatly improve their lot in life. So my question is where does the dictatorship of the corporation fit in to this whole mess?

The American Government

Well, yes corporations have influences on the members of our government, I'll give you that. But to say that they have control? I would definitely argue against that. They may have some puppets in the senate and such, but with the system of checks and balances set up, I don't think such an influence can occur unless the same business bought out the entire Government. In which case we would be a Oligarchy or Plutocracy.

The American Government

Not to be technical, but I guess I'm being technical... shouldn't this Thread read, "The US Government"? Since America is the whole Western Hemisphere and were it to have a government of its' own that would be a lot to police.

As for the US government and "Democracy" I like what Thinktank said. The word refers to the way the majority wants things done. If the majority wants Socialism then what is that government called if it was done through a process of Democracy.

The American Government Politics Business Civil & History

That is a interesting point there JB. I really do not believe that we will change to socialism even if the majority wants it. I believe that we will stay as a republic most of all through out the life of the United States. I believe in this government and hope that it does not try to out grow itself.