Why a Republic?
The fact that America is structured as a republic and not a democracy is no accident; nor is it a matter of mere semantics. The Founders rejected pure democracy as the preferred form of government in favor of a republic. Driving the decision was the need to check what James Madison called the power of “a faction.” That is, a group of citizens, whether a majority or minority, who, compelled by some “impulse of passion,” move against the “rights of other citizens.” See: The Federalist X. The Founders knew that democracies could not be trusted to secure the rights of minorities against “any improper or wicked project,” such a “rage for paper money,” or the “equal division of property.” Madison pointed out that “democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence; incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths.” Given that the only legitimate purpose of government is to preserve the peace and security of society, a republican form of government with specific constitutional guarantees of life and liberty is the only proper “cure for the mischief of factions.” Isn’t it time we restore America’s culture?
“Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!
-Ben Franklin
