A DEFINING ESSAY: DEMOCRACY OR REPUBLIC? Many Americans have grown accustomed to hearing that the United States is a democracy when in fact it’s a republic. Often Americans today seem to be unable to define the important difference between these two meanings. By understanding the foundation and true nature of our republic system of government, ones appreciation for the freedom to vote can be greatly enhanced. A pure democracy, by definition, operates by direct “…showed first 75 words of 870 total…

…showed last 75 words of 870 total…least suspicion.” (Federalist Papers, No. 25, p. 164.) By merely understanding how our government functions and being more aware of what is going on around us, perhaps our horizons will be broadened as to what can be accomplished in government as involved citizens. The fact that a fifty-percent voter turn- out is considered by many as improved or even good, is evidence of the disinterest that persist in our land of liberty. Surely, more can be done…