The Differentiating Factor, Constitutional Republic Vs Democracy

By Olivia Cross


It is common to have a republic and democracy used interchangeably despite there being fundamental differences. In a constitutional republic vs democracy debate, fundamental issues distinguishing these two forms must be explained. While republics accord citizens fundamental rights that cannot be alienated, democracies rely on the whims of the majority in total disregard of minority wish.

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.

Absolute power is held by the government in democracies. They determine the rights that will be accorded to individuals and can change the constitution to suit their wishes. This leaves the minority in the country vulnerable until a certain point where they form the government as the majority or join the majority group in a coalition.

Republics have constitutions or charters that protect the certain rights from alteration or abuse. These rights are inalienable which means that the government of the day cannot violate them. This is one fundamental difference between the two systems of government. Pure democracies give free will to the reigning government which means over exposure of the minority.

The majority is omnipotent in democracies which allows them to exercise absolute power at the expense of minority. This bully attitude continues until the situation changes in favor of minority. Republics have restrictions aimed at restricting the oppressive tendencies of majority governments. The process of altering inalienable rights is constitutionally defined and must involve the masses.

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.

Republics follow a different system where individuals have inalienable rights. Even majority governments cannot take away these rights. This form of government traces it roots to Classical Rome with characteristic three arms of government. This is the system that USA has adopted.

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.

Direct democracies operate in a different way. Each individual has a say in decision making on issues. This means that the masses make laws and determine government policies directly. A perfect example of this way of doing things is by voting or participating in referendums.

The rule of law that governs USA makes it a republic. There is a constitution or written law that governs representatives who must swear to abide by it. Most countries have democratic republics with certain segments of governance falling in different categories alternatively. The rights of individuals are protected yet the majority government has power over minority, though there are limits.




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