What kind of government does the Unites States have? We’ll give you a hint. The word appears in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Most school kids in America have been taught that democracy is the world’s best form of government. Plutocracy? Aristocracy? Oligarchy? Dictatorship? Move over! Make room for democracy! Or should we say . . . make room for a republic?

“D” Is for . . . Democracy. 

But what is democracy? It’s the rule of the people. In other words, people vote to decide what should happen in their nation. 

It sounds like a good and fair idea. But can democracy go wrong? It can. What if the majority is wrong? Or cruel? That’s bad news for the minority—and the nation. 

“R” Is for . . . Republic.

In fact, the United States is a republic under law. In a republic, law, not people, is the foundation of justice and freedom. Everyone, even the majority of voters, must obey the Constitution.

“Republic” means “public interest.” In a republic, the people do have a voice. They vote! But they don’t rule directly. The United States is a constitutional republic. That means the person elected is ruled by laws. Everyone must obey those laws—even the president, with some exceptions for official business. 

Then What’s a Democrat? What’s a Republican?

Even though the words sound alike, the ideas of Democracy and Republic don’t necessarily divide Republicans and Democrats. 

The Democratic Party and the Republican Party are the two largest political groups in the United States. Here’s one example of how they differ: Democrats tend to want the government to be more involved in economic (money) issues. Republicans tend to want a smaller government with less involvement in the economy.

When you become a voter, you can choose which political party you’d like to belong to. But you have more than two choices. You can also vote independent—and be connected to neither Republicans nor Democrats.

Why? It’s vital to know the differences in forms of government and what makes a wise leader.