Republic vs. democracy

Too many times politicians will go on talk shows or at press conferences talking about their particular topic and they will usually say at some point, “this is a democracy” or “the last time I looked we live in a democratic society” or even, “this is no way to run a democracy”.

So what is the difference between a democracy and a republic? It’s really a very simple definition. A democracy is direct government ruled by the majority. A republic is a representative government ruled by a Constitution, or laws.

In both forms, the people elect their representatives. In both forms, the one that gets the most votes wins the seat. It’s what happens after that election that shows which is which.

In the republican form of government, the Constitution limits the powers of the government to protect the people. Basically, that means that the power is in the hands of the people, or the citizenry, and that power is lent to the government.

In the democratic form of government, they only need to change the hearts and minds of the voters to make changes to the law or to create laws and the Constitution is not necessarily considered.

Try to imagine something if you can. Suppose the government didn’t have the money to give to people that didn’t have a job or were disabled. How would those people eat? Get shelter for themselves? Survive  the winters without heat? There’s really only three ways for them to achieve this that is legal. First, find a job. Second, charity, third, turn to a life of crime.

A life of crime is simple. They’ll eventually get caught and be put in jail. Food and shelter are then provided. Charity would depend on the hearts of those giving that cared enough for their fellow man. Charitable giving always goes up when taxes are lower and the economy is flourishing. But when taxes go up, charitable giving comes down. When the economy is bad, as it tends to get when taxes are increased, charitable giving goes down.

In the 1960’s, President Johnson called for a war on poverty and began the dependent society. However, the highest tax rate was 70% and they still didn’t have enough money to give to the poor and we’ve never eradicated poverty. President Reagan reduced the highest tax rate from 70% to 28% and more people went to work, but the welfare never stopped.

Now we are $18 Trillion in debt. The majority voted themselves money and continue to do so, but those in poverty are still in poverty. Those dependent on government for their existence are still dependant on government. We will reach a point, in a few short years where we will not be able to give money to the poor that don’t work but could. The government is likely to increase taxes at that point, which will drive the poverty rate higher causing the government to need more money, which means more debt until we’ve lost not only the poor, but the middle class as well. All because the majority voted for money for themselves without regard for their own responsibilities.

Another way is for the government to create a climate in this country where work is rewarded. Where earning money is not punishable. People will have more money, and not because they voted themselves more money but instead because they went out and earned more money. The economy would improve because people have more money to save and spend which creates more goods sold, taxes generated, and better and improving lifestyle for all.

We then have charities returning to help out the disabled. To either find them a way to create their own business that can fit their disability, or help them if they just aren’t able to work.

In a republic, our elected officials are required to give an oath to the Constitution. The Constitution is our rule of law. When our elected representative ignores laws he or she doesn’t like, they are not honoring their oath. They should be impeached and then removed from office and replaced with someone that will honor their oath. Their word.

Yes, a republic can be a bit tougher than a democracy. A republic isn’t for voting money for certain groups. It’s in place for all of the people equally. So when you pay your tax dollars, it’s going for the protection of our shores and running our limited government. When it’s given away to those that refuse to work, your money is paying for someone not to work. Or if the government is funding some institution that you don’t believe in, your money is being confiscated for a use that may go against your beliefs be they beliefs of conscious or even religion.

A republic vs. a democracy. It would be a good idea for all to know the difference and its application before they go into the voting booth and choose which person they want to put in the position of making the decisions of what to do with the hard earned money you pay in taxes.

You’re welcome to comment.

Brett