History: Most Influential Power

Obama warns democratic institutions are ‘creaky’ but Trump’s indictment is proof rule of law still exists in US | CNN Politics

Christiane Amanpour sits down with former U.S. president Barack Obama.

Six years since the end of his term, there is compelling evidence worldwide that democracy is wavering. The former president is raising the alarm and celebrating the next generation of democratic leaders. In an exclusive conversation with Barack Obama Christiane asks the question: 

Will democracy claw its way back?

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This Marxist Muslim needs to go back to grade school. From her archive, Christiane Amanpour asks former president Barack Obama if American democracy can withstand a second Trump term.

It has never been a Democracy:

Recite the Pledge of Allegiance: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the “Republic” for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Red Skelton’s Pledge of Allegiance (youtube.com)

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Is the United States a democracy or a republic?

One of the most commonly encountered questions about the word democracy has nothing to do with its spelling or pronunciation and isn’t even directly related to the meaning of the word itself.

That question is “is the United States a democracy or a republic?”

The answer to this, as with so many other questions about meaning, may be phrased as some form of “it depends.”

Some people assert that a country calling itself a democracy must be engaged in direct (or pure) democracy, in which the people of a state or region vote directly for policies, rather than elect representatives who make choices on their behalf.

People who follow this line of reasoning hold that the United States is more properly described as a republic, using the following definition of that word: “a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law.”

However, both democracy and republic have more than a single meaning, and one of the definitions we provide for democracy closely resembles the definition of republic given above: “a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.”

So if someone asks you if the United States is a democracy or a republic, you may safely answer the question with either “both” or “it depends.”

Is the United States a democracy or a republic? 

This is one of those “either/or” questions that seems like it should have a straightforward answer; after all, two such different words must have two different definitions, right?

The short answer is that democracy and republic are frequently used to mean the same thing: a government in which the people vote for their leaders. This was the important distinction at the time of the founding of the United States, in direct contrast with the rule of a king, or monarchy, in Great Britain.

In part because that context was clear to everyone involved in the American Revolution, these terms were used interchangeably in the late 1700s. Both democracy and republic meant that the power to govern was held by the people rather than a monarch.

At the same time, it’s true that there is nuance and difference between these words, according to their historical use and etymology: democracy comes from the Greek roots meaning “rule by the people,” and the most basic understanding of the word’s original meaning refers to the direct democracy of ancient Greece.

Republic comes from the Latin roots meaning “public good” or “public affair,” used in ancient Rome to mean simply “state” or “country” with reference to the representative democracy of the Roman Republic. The elected representatives in Congress are a contemporary example of this kind of government.

Democracy  noun

de·moc·ra·cy di-ˈmä-krə-sē pluraldemocracies Synonyms of democracy

1a: government by the peopleespecially : rule of the majorityb: a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections

2: a political unit that has a democratic government

3: capitalized : the principles and policies of the Democratic party in the U.S.from emancipation Republicanism to New Deal Democracy—C. M. Roberts

4: the common people especially when constituting the source of political authority

5: the absence of hereditary or arbitrary class distinctions or privileges

Republic noun

re·pub·licri-ˈpə-blik 

Synonyms of republic

1 a

(1) : a government having a chief of state who is not a monarch and who in modern times is usually a president

(2) : a political unit (such as a nation) having such a form of government

1 b

(1): a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law

(2) : a political unit (such as a nation) having such a form of government

c : a usually specified republican government of a political unit the French Fourth Republic

2 : a body of persons freely engaged in a specified activity the republic of letters

The Answer is it’s a Republic: Govern by the Constitution 

The Constitution of the United States contains a preamble and seven articles that describe the way the government is structured and how it operates. The first three articles establish the three branches of government and their powers: Legislative (Congress), Executive (office of the President,) and Judicial (Federal court system). 

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The beliefs of the Founding Fathers varied, but they generally rallied around certain crucial religious principles1234:

The beliefs of the Founding Fathers of the United States were diverse and complex, reflecting a range of religious and philosophical perspectives.

Here are some key points:

1. Religious Diversity: Most of the Founding Fathers were raised in Christian traditions, primarily Protestant denominations such as Anglicanism, Presbyterianism, and Congregationalism1.
2. However, their personal beliefs varied widely.
3. Deism: Many Founding Fathers, including Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, were influenced by Deism. Deists believed in a rational God who created the universe but did not intervene in human affairs. They emphasized reason and ethics over religious dogma1.
4. Christian Rationalism: Some Founders, like John Adams, were Christian rationalists who valued both their Christian faith and Enlightenment principles. They believed in a God who endowed humans with reason and moral sense1.
5. Religious Freedom: A common principle among the Founding Fathers was the importance of religious freedom. They believed that the government should not establish or favor any religion, which led to the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious liberty2.
6. Virtue and Morality: The Founding Fathers often emphasized the necessity of virtue and morality for the success of the republic. They believed that a virtuous citizenry was essential for maintaining liberty and justice2.
7. Role of Providence: Many Founders believed in the role of Providence, or divine guidance, in the affairs of nations. This belief was often expressed in their writings and speeches, reflecting a sense of destiny and purpose for the new nation2.

Their beliefs were shaped by the Enlightenment, personal experiences, and the diverse religious landscape of colonial America. This mix of ideas contributed to the foundational principles of the United States.

Is there a specific Founding Father or aspect of their beliefs you’re particularly interested in?

What role did Benjamin Franklin play in shaping the nation?

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Benjamin Franklin played a multifaceted and crucial role in shaping the United States.

Here are some of his key contributions:

1. Diplomacy: Franklin was instrumental in securing French support during the American Revolution. His diplomatic efforts in France led to the Treaty of Alliance in 1778, which provided essential military aid and support to the American colonies 1.
2. Declaration of Independence: Franklin was a member of the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence. His edits and suggestions helped shape the final document 1.
3. Constitutional Convention: Franklin was a delegate at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. His wisdom and experience were invaluable in the debates and compromises that led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution 2.
4. Scientific and Practical Innovations: Franklin’s inventions, such as the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and the Franklin stove, showcased his ingenuity. His scientific work, particularly in electricity, earned him international acclaim 3.
5. Printing and Publishing: As a printer and publisher, Franklin disseminated important ideas and information. His Pennsylvania Gazette and Poor Richard’s Almanack were influential in shaping public opinion and spreading Enlightenment ideas 3.
6. Public Institutions: Franklin founded several key institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, the American Philosophical Society, and the first public library in America. These institutions promoted education, knowledge, and civic engagement3.
7. Postal System: Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General of the United States. He organized and improved the colonial postal system, which was vital for communication during the Revolutionary War 1.

Franklin’s contributions were not limited to any single field; his impact was felt in diplomacy, science, education, and governance.

His legacy continues to influence the nation today.

Is there a specific aspect of Franklin’s life or work that interests you the most?

Tell me more about Thomas Jefferson’s religious views.

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Thomas Jefferson’s religious views were quite unique and often diverged from traditional Christianity of his time. Here are some key aspects:

1. Deism and Rational Religion: Jefferson was most comfortable with Deism, which emphasizes reason and the observation of the natural world as the primary sources of knowledge about God. He also embraced rational religion and theistic rationalism 1 2.
2. Unitarianism: Jefferson was sympathetic to Unitarianism, which rejects the doctrine of the Trinity and emphasizes the unity of God 1.
3. Admiration for Jesus’ Teachings: Jefferson admired the moral teachings of Jesus, considering them the “most sublime and benevolent code of morals” ever offered to humanity 1. 
4. However, he rejected the divinity of Jesus, the resurrection, and biblical miracles 3.
5. The Jefferson Bible: Jefferson created his own version of the Bible, known as “The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth” or the “Jefferson Bible.” He excluded all miracles and supernatural events, focusing solely on Jesus’ moral teachings 1.
6. Separation of Church and State: Jefferson was a strong advocate for the separation of church and state. He famously coined the phrase “wall of separation between church and state” in a letter to the Danbury Baptists 1 4.
7. Personal Beliefs: Jefferson believed in a benevolent and just God and often referred to a higher power in his writings and speeches. He saw religion as a private matter between an individual and their God 2.

Jefferson’s religious views were shaped by the Enlightenment and his commitment to reason and empirical evidence. Despite his unconventional beliefs, he consistently expressed admiration for the moral teachings of Christianity and maintained a personal faith in a rational and benevolent creator.

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