Apparently only in the most powerful country in history. The only one with guaranteed free speech baked right into its constitution. The one that dominates the world economy.
Firstly, and most importantly, the United States is not a democracy and never has been. Secondly, the beauty of our Republic is it is possible for a person to go to bed a fry cook and wake up as President.
@swirlie Yes, of course; However, I humbly beg to differ-- I find Constitutional Republic or Representative Republic more accurate. The founders despised the thought of Democracy.. Although, "Constitutional Republic" seems a bit redundant to me because as we all know, a republic is partly defined by being governed by a charter-- IE: Constitution. "Representative democracy" is contradictory of itself.
@MyGirlPhotoswell Very true, call it a Constitutional Republic is more accurate than calling it a democracy, which would probably explain why the USA's political system is viewed as a failed 'democratic experiment' in most critical thinking political circles around the world.
Constitutional Republic refers to the fact that the US government is based on a Constitution, but the Constitution itself is more like a pre-packaged dictatorship agenda where an archaic set of rules were cast in stone and forever upheld as America's Constitutional Bible and thereafter enforced through a fake democratic process, but achieved that end without utilizing a formal State Dictator who would otherwise make up the rules as he went along, somewhat like Putin does.
This would also explain why as a direct democracy, the USA's system of governance pales in comparison to the direct democracies of other Nations. Good point you raise!
It has been since December 2000, when the Supreme Court decided to abandon the law and insert George Failson Bush as President. Since then, its been unravelling, as the Republicans take on board the idea they can ignore the laws
@swirlie The United States operates as a constitutional republic, a form of government that involves representatives elected by the people, who execute their duties under the constraints of a prevailing constitution that specifies the powers and limits of government.
One fundamental principle of a constitutional republic is the protection of minority rights against the potential tyranny of the majority. This design counters direct democracy, where majority rules could potentially ride roughshod over minority interests. The U.S. Constitution outlines various checks and balances intended to prevent any single branch of government from gaining absolute power, thereby protecting individual rights from being infringed upon by majority vote.
Another key element of this governance style is the separation of powers among branches of the government, a system meant to foster a balance of power. The legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces these laws, and the judiciary interprets them. Each branch operates independently from the others to prevent any accumulation of power, adhering to the principles laid out by the framers of the Constitution.
The electoral process distinctly forms the basis of the U.S. as a republic. Citizens do not vote directly for laws and policies but instead elect representatives who make these decisions on their behalf. This filter theoretically places an informed decision-making body between the populace’s desire and the law, which aligns with the characteristics of a republic.
The rule of law also serves as a cornerstone in a constitutional republic. Unlike monarchies of the past where rulers were law unto themselves, in a constitutional republic such as the U.S., every citizen, irrespective of their status or authority, is subject to the law. This adherence to codified laws confirms the U.S.’ attachment to the abstract principles of democracy and to a rational legal framework that governs society’s functioning.
The continuous impact of these foundational elements helps ensure the function of the U.S. governance is not driven by transient popular sentiments but steered through established, systematic laws and practices. This tempers swaying populist whims and meshes well with democratic ideals—where every voice has a chance to be heard through elected representation. Herein lies the synthesis of republican principles with democratic values, helping shape policies that reflect both collective will and measured, constitutional guidelines.
@sunsporter1649 The USA operates as a Democratic Republic. Like I said, you should go there sometime when you feel like getting away from Russia for a break from it all.
