Our founders sought out a republic, not a democracy

To the Editor,

   There is much talk that one political group or another will destroy our democracy. The reply often is that we are not a democracy, but rather a constitutional republic. So, what is the difference?

   A democracy is founded on majority vote and the goal is universal equality. That sounds good but often minority rights are excluded in a democracy. There is a classic saying, “Democracy is like two wolves and a lamb voting on what to eat for lunch, but a republic is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.” A constitutional republic protects individual liberties.

   Nowhere in the Constitution nor in the Declaration of Independence is democracy mentioned. Rather, the Constitution requires a republican form of government for all states (Constitution Article IV, Section 4).

   Thomas Jefferson saw that under a democracy, there is always a conflict for power and control. There is a reason Plato said, “Dictatorship naturally arises out of democracy.” So, our founders created a government with separation of powers for legislative, judicial, and executive branches. The electoral college, which ensures the rights of every state are considered in our federal elections, is another feature of our republican form of government.

   John Adams said, “A democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself.” Our founders had similar thoughts concerning a democracy – just check the internet and you will find many such quotes.

   Don’t be swayed by the constant refrain that we live in a democracy. Listen carefully to the words as you say the Pledge of Allegiance: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United State of America and to the REPUBLIC for which is stands…”

Nancy Mulford

Anamosa, Iowa