While it is impossible to compose an entirely unbiased artifact, efforts have been made to ensure this article is as factual as possible, without lending strong or noticeable support to either side of the debate. This article is intended to help readers navigate the current debate over republican versus democratic viewpoints by defining those terms, describing the two positions, and demonstrating how support of one side or the other will have tangible impacts on the nature of equality, justice, and civil stability in the future. The Founding Fathers were wise to provide guidelines and opinions, yet they could not have anticipated the complex needs of such an enormous nation. Perhaps it might be more accurate to say “the United States was intended to be a republic, but has grown into a democratic republic.” But this runs the risk of elevating original intent to divine revelation. The answer to that question is somewhat complicated. So, is the United States a democracy or a republic? Anyone who lives under the law of the land is impacted by this question. The implications of this question stretch from academia to how, and by whom, laws are made. It’s a question that holds actionable relevance for all Americans. No, this is not an esoteric debate-starter for a high school civics class.
