The Distinguishing Factor, Constitutional Republic Vs Democracy
A democracy and a republic are likely to be used interchangeably but they have totally different meanings. The debate on constitutional republic vs democracy does not address the fundamental differences that exist. Democracies are regarded as governments based on popularity while republics still denote majority rule but accord significant rights to individuals.
It is the interaction between government powers and the rights of individuals that differentiates republics from democracies. The fact that it is majority who exercise power in both cases is not contested. The effect this power and rights have on the minority differentiates these two government systems. In both cases, there is representation into the government.
Democracies appear to give absolute right to the government of the day. This allows the majority rulers to alter the constitution or laws based on their desires. This means that as long as a majority government is in power, it has free will over all the citizens regardless of their political affiliation. This leaves the minority in a vulnerable position.
There are restrains put in place during formulation of republics. The minority cannot be oppressed because certain rights are inalienable. This is a notable difference when one wants to understand how democracies differ from republics. The level of exposure facing minority groups in democracies does not exist in republics.
Democracies allow rule by omnipotent majority. This gives them the power to impose their will upon the minority unlike in republics where there are restrictions. The rights of citizens in republics are changeable through a consultative approach that leads to voting.
Constitutions and charters guarantee sovereignty in different formats depending on whether a nation is a democracy or a republic. In democracies, the entire population holds sovereignty as a group. This paves way for the majority to determine the extent of rights. This system of governance traces its origin to Classical Athens.
In a republic, sovereignty belongs to an individual and cannot be taken away by a majority government. This system of government has its origin in Classical Rome and comes with three separate branches or arms of government. An example is what is practiced in the United States of America.
Democracies come in two forms, direct and representative. The mandate of an individual is taken by a representative who forms part of an elected body in representative democracies. He is the voice of his electorates and therefore will purport to vote based on their wish. He also gives an opinion that is said to represent his electorates.
Power and decisions in direct democracies are in the hands of the people. This means that there are no representatives within the governance and law making systems. The ways of exercising direct democratic processes include referendums and voting. The people determine the issues what they want directly through a vote.
The existence of rule of law in US makes it a republic. It has a written law or constitution that guides representatives on how to act. This trend has been adapted in many nations with slight variations. The mixture of the two systems can be seen in cases where government hold powers to a certain extent while the populace also has a say on certain issues.
It is the interaction between government powers and the rights of individuals that differentiates republics from democracies. The fact that it is majority who exercise power in both cases is not contested. The effect this power and rights have on the minority differentiates these two government systems. In both cases, there is representation into the government.
Democracies appear to give absolute right to the government of the day. This allows the majority rulers to alter the constitution or laws based on their desires. This means that as long as a majority government is in power, it has free will over all the citizens regardless of their political affiliation. This leaves the minority in a vulnerable position.
There are restrains put in place during formulation of republics. The minority cannot be oppressed because certain rights are inalienable. This is a notable difference when one wants to understand how democracies differ from republics. The level of exposure facing minority groups in democracies does not exist in republics.
Democracies allow rule by omnipotent majority. This gives them the power to impose their will upon the minority unlike in republics where there are restrictions. The rights of citizens in republics are changeable through a consultative approach that leads to voting.
Constitutions and charters guarantee sovereignty in different formats depending on whether a nation is a democracy or a republic. In democracies, the entire population holds sovereignty as a group. This paves way for the majority to determine the extent of rights. This system of governance traces its origin to Classical Athens.
In a republic, sovereignty belongs to an individual and cannot be taken away by a majority government. This system of government has its origin in Classical Rome and comes with three separate branches or arms of government. An example is what is practiced in the United States of America.
Democracies come in two forms, direct and representative. The mandate of an individual is taken by a representative who forms part of an elected body in representative democracies. He is the voice of his electorates and therefore will purport to vote based on their wish. He also gives an opinion that is said to represent his electorates.
Power and decisions in direct democracies are in the hands of the people. This means that there are no representatives within the governance and law making systems. The ways of exercising direct democratic processes include referendums and voting. The people determine the issues what they want directly through a vote.
The existence of rule of law in US makes it a republic. It has a written law or constitution that guides representatives on how to act. This trend has been adapted in many nations with slight variations. The mixture of the two systems can be seen in cases where government hold powers to a certain extent while the populace also has a say on certain issues.
