I find it ironic how many people think our government is a democracy. This definition is not correct. We live in a constitution-based federal republic. The definition is: A state in which the central government powers are restricted in which the composite parts (our states) retain a degree of self-government, the ultimate power rests with the voters who vote for governmental representatives to represent their views.

In two recent letters the people thought we live in a democracy form of government. This definition is: a state where the ultimate power rests in the body of the people who elect governmental officers and representatives to represent them.

The difference is that states retain a lot of the power of determining who represents the people of their states. Our Founding Fathers saw this as the best way to protect the interests of the people. That is why we have a House of Representatives, which is the people’s house, and a Senate, which is the states’ house. Most elected officials will represent the common interests of their states or districts. Those who don’t eventually lose elections. A republic protects us from mob rule or majority rule; it is built to protect the minority voices of the government. I hope this gives a clearer understanding of what type of government we have and why it works the way it does.

 

Jeff Ramsley
Minnesota Lake