Originated in Rome in 509BC (to 27BC), after a period of oppressive kings. Greek democracy was ended in 322BC by Macedon. Numerous important reforms were made by the leader Solon and then Cleisthenes. Originated and evolved in ancient Athens during the 5th century. America's founders were wary of aristocracy and monarchy, and preferred a democratic republic. as a Republic, Article 4, Section 4 of the U.S. The U.S.A.'s Constitution defines the U.S. But the will of the people shouldn't easily decide to change the rules that limit power to the government. People commonly confuse direct democracy with representative democracy. constitution) yet vote "together" and create laws to address concerns of the represented in a democratic way. The elected are bound by oath to the written governing limits (i.e. The US is actually a democratic republic. The US officially has a representative style, though many have suggested the US is closer to an oligarchy or plutocracy. Rome, France, United States Of America, Ireland, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Italy Yes the majority cannot take away certain inalienable rights.Īncient Athens (Greece), Switzerland (13th century) No the majority can impose its will on the minority. The United States of America is a constitutional democratic republic.ĭirect democracy, parliamentary democracy, representative democracy, presidential democracy.ĭemocratic republics, Constitutional republics. The United Kingdom is an example of a democratic country that is not a republic, since it has a monarch. More than half of the world, including the US, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, etc.
In theory, all citizens have an equal say and so are treated equally by the government, especially insofar as there is a constitutional prohibition on government discrimination. However, often allows for the tyranny of the majority over the minority. In theory, all citizens have an equal say and so are treated equally. Generally, private property is permitted, especially insofar as there is a constitutional prohibition on interfering with property rights. Generally, private property is permitted, although a majority faction may place limits on property rights. Individuals may make decisions for themselves, especially insofar as there is a constitutional prohibition on interfering with freedom of choice.įree elections. Individuals may make decisions for themselves except insofar as a majority faction has limited individuals. Generally, freedom of religion is permitted, especially insofar as there is a constitutional prohibition on interfering with freedom of religion. Generally, freedom of religion is permitted, although a majority faction may limit religious freedom for a minority faction. Policies that govern economics are voted on by the people's representatives. Republics are almost always free-market economies. Policies that govern economics are chosen by the voters (or their elected representatives in a representative democracy). Varies from state to state.ĭemocracies tend to be free-market economies.
Class distinctions can become pronounced, however, due to capitalist society. Republics are meant to resist separations by class, politically or economically. ĭemocracies are meant to resist separation by class, politically or economically. In variations, people may also elect representatives.Ī republic is similar to a representative democracy except it has a written constitution of basic rights that protect the minority from being completely unrepresented or abused by the majority.ĭemocratic. In a democracy, an individual, and any group of individuals composing any minority, have no protection against the power of the majority. Unalienable rights of individuals are protected by law to safeguard against a majority abusing the minority All eligible citizens get equal say in decisions through elected representatives. Republics are in opposition to rulership by a single person. As such, all eligible citizens get equal say in decisions. Kings and tyrants are seen as threats to the innate rights of the people.
In a democracy, the community of people are considered to hold power over how they are governed. Differences - Similarities - Democracy versus Republic comparison chart