TID: Mystic BBS 1.12 A48   
   MSGID: 1:129/42 c7a1ee9b   
   REPLY: 1:342/201 ea25a088   
   TZUTC: -0400   
    IJ> We are a Republic, not a democracy, and we survive on the rule of law   
      
   The United States is both a republic and a democracy, functioning as a   
   constitutional federal republic that operates on democratic principles. The   
   distinction lies in the specific mechanisms of governance and the historical   
   evolution of these terms.   
      
   In essence, the United States is a democratic republic or a representative   
   democracy.   
   - The republican aspect refers to it's form of government, one in which the   
   people elect representatives to govern.   
   - The democratic aspect refers to the idea that the power of the government is   
   derived from the citizens, who can influence policy by participating in   
   electorial process.   
      
   The dual nature is a feature of its design. The U.S. operates with democratic   
   principles like free and fair elections, but within a republican framework   
   that limits power through a constitution and a system of checks and balances.   
      
   --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A48 (Linux/64)   
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