So what’s the real reason Republicans say we’re not a democracy, we’re a republic?

My view is they’re not mutually exclusive, we’re both. Probably looking for replies from progressives here, because it seems like I’ve heard or read lots of very different Republican explanations and I can’t remember any of them, it just seems like they were all pedantic bullshit. There must be some underlying issue that’s important to them. My guess is roughly that “democracy” carries the connotation that [i]everyone[/i] gets to vote, whereas in a republic maybe it could be considered acceptable to disenfranchise certain people deemed illegitimate (such as minorities and poor because they didn’t show an ID), but I don’t feel very confident in that hypothesis.

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SW-User

Are you not a democratic republic?

Scubaguy027 · 46-50, M

@SW-User we are. This dude is just stirring the pot.

SW-User

@Scubaguy027 I like politics but I don't understand the American system

JP1119 · 36-40, M

@SW-User I think we are, but I read today a Republican friend said we’re not a democracy, we’re a “constitutional republic”.

Scubaguy027 · 46-50, M

@SW-User lol. I'm 43 and I don't understand it either. Most of the time it is one side against the other, not what's right or wrong or for the best interest of the people.

NativeOregonian · 51-55

@SW-User The British system of Parliament is just as confusing as well. I personally think QE II needs to dissolve Parliament and go back to a true Monarchy.

SW-User

@Scubaguy027 I've tried to understand it , the electoral system and stuff but it doesn't compute

GerOttman · 61-69, M

@SW-User "I like politics but I don't understand the American system"

neither do most americans!

SW-User

@NativeOregonian our system isn't difficult. There are 650 constituencies (areas) and the first party to win 326 forms the Government

NativeOregonian · 51-55

@SW-User Whoever gets the majority of votes in that state wins the number of electorates it holds. It is a system meant to make sure every vote counts, not just the large metro areas.

SW-User

@GerOttman lol

NativeOregonian · 51-55

@GerOttman They get it, they just don't like it when their side loses.

GerOttman · 61-69, M

@SW-User I know what you mean, but it wasn't intended to be funny. I learned civics in school in the 60's had a basic understanding. People now view the president as if he is "the boss" of the country, when he is no such thing. Electing a president by an electoral college vote does not diminish the democratic process, it's intended to protect it.

SW-User

@GerOttman see it's the college vote thing I don't understand. As I saw it in 2016 more people voted for Hilary yet Trump won. I don't understand that bit

NativeOregonian · 51-55

@GerOttman The saddest thing US educators did was eliminate Civics 101 from high school as a requirement to graduate.

GerOttman · 61-69, M

@SW-User "see it's the college vote thing I don't understand. As I saw it in 2016 more people voted for Hilary yet Trump won. I don't understand that bit"

Exactly! Many people believe we elect a president to 'run the country' that's not how it's supposed to work. The states are intended as independent members of the 'republic' and each state has an equal share. Congress is elected by popular vote, democratically. The senate has two members from each member state, the house apportioned by population. Even a small or less populous state has an equal stake and an equal voice in the "Union". Union is an important word here, several states joined together for common cause and protection but maintain their own form of government.

SW-User

@GerOttman I don't understand any of that sorry

I've tried but it just doesn't sink in

GerOttman · 61-69, M

@SW-User Well I won't beat a dead horse. Feel free to message for further discussion if desired. My views are not endorsed by all, but I believe they are well founded.