Democracy v.s. Republic is a false dichotomy. The strict definition of Democracy is a failed version of a Polity. Look up Polity.
Discussion
You’re trying to sound nuanced, but you’re missing the point. I’m not playing semantics—I’m pointing out a modern misconception that’s been pushed for over a century: people use the word democracy as if it means liberty, when in fact it means majority rule.
Yes, Aristotle distinguished between democracy (mob rule) and polity (constitutional rule by the many for the common good). But the United States was not founded as a polity either. It was founded as a constitutional republic, where individual rights are protected from both monarchs and mobs.
So no, it’s not a “false dichotomy.” It’s a correction.
When someone keeps calling the U.S. a democracy, they’re either misinformed or propagating a diluted version of what we were actually meant to be.
Read more than just the glossary. Start with the Federalist Papers.
And while you’re at it—define “common good” without falling into technocratic abstraction.
I don't think there are any good forms of government so it's largely a waste of time to argue semantics. My issue is how people use the word Democracy as if it's a panacea, when the word itself literally refers to a failed system of "self" rule. By the way, the "consent of the governed" and the formation of our republican form of government itself is founded on majority rule, this is the political theory of Jefferson and Madison, where they argue the seat of sovereignty and authority originates. In my opinion what we call government is no less than limited organized crime, and that's what it's always been no matter the form.
Exactly. That’s the point—democracy is not a virtue. The problem isn’t whether any form of government is perfect—none are. But people invoke “democracy” like it’s holy water, without ever questioning the structure behind it or what it’s being used to justify.
Yes, consent of the governed was foundational—but so was limiting power through law, through rights that don’t shift with popularity. Jefferson and Madison also warned about the dangers of consolidated power, central banks, and unchecked taxation.
So if we’re going to call out the organized crime for what it is, let’s be precise. Words matter—especially the ones hijacked to sell wars, suppress dissent, and inflate away the value of your labor.
That’s all I’m doing—pointing the spotlight at the myth, and where the switch was flipped.

