Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.

Find out how a democracy works and whether or not America truly is a democracy.

Many Americans are proud of their country being run with strong democratic principles, but are we truly a democracy? Most people would say yes. Are they right?

The United States Is Not a Democracy

This may come as a surprise to, but it’s true. An example of a true democracy is Ancient Greece. In Greece, the citizenry had the ultimate say in lawmaking. Government officials would draft a bill and then the people would come together to determine if it should pass into law or not. Everything was based on majority rule. However, in the U.S., government officials draft a bill, vote on it, and then if it passes they bring it to the people to tell them the new law.

The United States Is a Republic

A republic is a form of government where the people vote for elected officials and it’s those officials who vote on laws. The officials are expected to be the best, smartest, most ethical, most moral, and most upright people. They are the ones who determine the policies and laws that affect the people they represent. The citizens of a republic have no direct say in law-making.

The Difference Between a Democracy and a Republic

A democracy is what is considered “Rule of Man,” which simply means the people rule over each other. The U.S. Founding Fathers thought this to be the worst form of government because it can so easily become “mob rule.” Mob rule is essentially based on intimidation. So whichever group was more intimidating is the one that got to determine all law. A republic operates according to “Rule of Law,” which means laws are formed or created as a Bill of Rights or Constitution and cannot be superseded by mob rule or elected officials.

Knowing that the U.S. is run as a republic, not a democracy, is important. Take the time to research the elected officials who represent you.

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Key Points:

  • The U.S. is not a democracy. A democracy is a form of government where the majority rules by using their voting rights.
  • The U.S. is a republic. A republic is a form of government where citizens elect officials, called representatives, to make voting decisions on their behalf.
  • The difference between a democracy and a republic. A democracy is based on “rule of man,” meaning the majority – or in the worst case, the mob, is in control. A republic is based on “rule of law,” which means laws and policies are created as part of a constitution or bill of rights that cannot be easily changed or superseded.

Quote This:

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote! -Benjamin Franklin

Talk About It
  1. What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. In your own words, describe the difference between a democracy and a republic.
  3. List other forms of government that you know of. If you were to establish a country what form of government would you use? Why?
  4. What form of government do you think would be most effective when it comes to lawmaking? Least effective? Why?
  5. How would a citizen enact change in a democracy vs. a republic?
  6. Do you think it’s important to be aware of how your current government works? Why or why not?
  7. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.