Constitutional Democracy vs Constitutional Republic
America is often referred to as a democracy, but in truth that is shorthand for a more nuanced reality. America is democratic, but it is also a republic. (Alvarez 1). The United States is controlled by laws that people are expected to abide by. Although a constitutional democracy and a constitutional republic allow the people to elect whom they want, they also differ greatly in their governed laws.
A constitutional democracy is a form of government in which the power is held by the people, often administered by agents elected in a free election system (''Constitutional Democracy''). Usually any citizen can participate in the US democratic election process with the exception of certain individuals that are not qualified. The majority takes all decisions that favors them while the minority doesn't. In this form of government, people vote for government officials that align with their personal interest and opinions. While all citizens supposedly have a say in government and are to be treated as equals, the majority often ends up tyrannically ruling the minority (Legal Dictionary). There are laws in place to limit abuse of government power although it would be very difficult to completely rid a government of thus said abuse in its entirety. A constitutional republic is a form of government in which officials are elected by citizens to lead them as directed by their country’s constitution. (''Constitutional Republic''). The
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Both respect the constitution and all actions, be that of an individual or a majority. The constitutional republic and constitutional democracy should be in agreement with the laws. They both allow individuals to make decisions like the freedom and choice to follow any religion. Both systems allow and encourage citizens to elect anyone based upon their