There are 3 choices, 3 votes for maddyblue's debate

Is there a true democracy?

de·moc·ra·cy (d-mkr-s) n. pl. de·moc·ra·cies

1. Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.

2. A political or social unit that has such a government.

3. The common people, considered as the primary source of political power.

4. Majority rule.

5. The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community.

I can see an argument for 1 if we choose to overlook who really controls the 'elected' representatives. 2: We claim to be democratic so, obviously we claim to be a democracy. However, I am not sure that at any point in our nation's history have 3,4, and 5 been true. Being of Greek decent, I consider those to be vital to a true democracy.

So, under those parts of the definition, has the United States ever truly been a democracy? and when?
  • There was never such a time
    I cannot come up with a time where there was not an influence on various branches of government from organizations with private interest.
    Voted for by maddyblue.
    View 2 comments
  • :

  • Keep it simple.
    People are motivated by fame, material wealth and power. A man can't afford to run for office unless he's among the richest portion of society. Therefore, we have a dual class system. The average joe and the elite. It has been like this since the dawn of time, and will always be this way. Our American democracy is the illusion that we matter, bought with a very high price. The only _real_ reason we remain free is that so many men and women own firearms. ;-)
    Voted for by MrBlack.
    View 7 comments
  • :

  • no
    America has never had a true democracy. Even in its youngest stages it never has been. The American government is a republic, and was based off the Republic of Rome. Even those who claim it is a "representative democracy" are only speeking in half-truths.
    Voted for by voidwalker.
    View 1 comment
  • :

    •  

    None of the choices fit your opinion?  Add one →