COLUMN: What it means to be a republic
Following the signing of the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin was approached by a woman as he was leaving Independence Hall. The woman asked him what form of government had been created by the new Constitution. Franklin replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
Unfortunately, many of us have been taught that our nation is a democracy. Therefore, it is important to understand the basic differences between a democracy and a republic.
The major difference between the two seemingly similar forms of government lies in who makes the decisions as to what laws will be created and how the government will be run.
In a direct democracy, decisions are made directly by the people. In this form of democracy, it is necessary for all the citizens to assemble in order to make decisions. Because of this, a direct democracy is essentially limited to a small geographic area. A representative democracy serves to alleviate this difficulty. In a representative democracy, representatives are chosen by the people. These representatives then make decisions in government based solely on the will of the majority of those they represent.
In a republic, as in a representative democracy, the people choose their representatives. However, in a republic, the representatives are expected to make decisions based on their own judgment. Because a republic is dependent on the judgment and character of the people’s representatives, these representatives must be chosen carefully. It is therefore essential that these officials be individuals of honor, integrity and good judgment. It is necessary that the people keep a careful eye on their representatives to ensure they are acting honorably. It is also essential for the elected officials to keep close contact with their constituents to ensure they are being represented appropriately. Government officials are also expected to operate within the bounds the people have set for them in their constitution. If the people are not satisfied with the performance of the representative, that individual is replaced in the next election.
One of the responsibilities the Framers gave to the representatives of the people was the selection of other representatives. They felt this would lead to the selection of qualified individuals to fill positions in the national government. The Constitution directs that Supreme Court justices are to be nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The president is to be chosen by the electoral college. Originally, senators were to be selected by the state legislatures, and not directly by the people. The Framers understood that democratic elections of these representatives could also cause problems for our republic.
In a democracy, the people are directly involved in the decision-making process. In a republic, that involvement is indirect.
Even the most casual reading of the works of the Framers of the Constitution reveals that they never intended to establish a democracy. This may come as a surprise to many, as we have often been led to believe that democracy is desirable and synonymous with freedom.
The Framers understood that it would be both impractical and dangerous for the citizens to be directly involved in the decision-making process. They knew that the people would be too busy in their day-to-day affairs to be informed in every issue and detail of the government. They also realized that people could be deceived and misinformed. Because of this, citizens would often not be adequately informed to make the right decisions.
The Framers also understood that democracies have historically proven to be unstable and have usually degenerated to tyranny and oppression. In the Federalist. No 10 of the Federalist Papers, James Madison explained, “Democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property.”
Further on in Federalist No. 10, Madison explained why he felt a republic was superior to a democracy. He taught that a republic would “refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice, will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations. Under such a regulation, it may well happen that the public voice pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good, than if pronounced by the people themselves convened for the purpose.”
Gradually, our nation has drifted closer to democracy. Senators are now directly elected by the people, and many are calling for the end of the electoral college. This is a dangerous trend that must be reversed if our freedom is to be maintained. It is essential for each of us to understand why our nation was established as a republic and what principles must be followed to restore the forgotten principles of our nation’s form of government.
Colby Lyons is a senior majoring in law and constitutional studies. Comments can be sent to him at c.lyons@aggiemail.usu.edu