The US is a representative democracy
I read that on several reputable sites, so pretty confident about it.
So next time someone tries to "well, actually..." you when you call the US a democracy, tell them to suck it.
To the Republic for which it stands...
This is old news.
Also a Republic, but it's not inaccurate to call it a representative democracy - or shorten that to democracy!
Both are valid. So no correction needed.
A republic is defined as democracy through representation. Is there something I'm missing?
shareYes. China, Cuba and North Korea are republics, also. Check out their official names.
You're using the term "republic" out of historical context. In the 1700s, the Founding Fathers were focused on liberating the U.S. from rule by a monarchy. Remember King George? Republic is defined as a government not ruled by a monarchy. That's why China and North Korea can call themselves republics, but the United Kingdom can't.
In the 1700s, monarchies were the norm, therefore overthrowing King George was a major radical move.
The U.S. is a republic, but that just means we don't have a king. A better and more accurate description is representative democracy. In other words, the U.S. is more than just not having a monarchy, we are "a government of, by and for the people". That was an extremely radical idea back in the 1700s.
Ironically, your historical context is off here since the intention was to emulate the Roman Republic and its legendary divergence from a monarchy. The Founding Fathers were fearful of democracy and rule by "...persons of mean and vile condition" just as much, potentially even more so, as they were frustrated with rule under the British Crown. Rome's solution was both well documented and was held in great esteem as a paragon of civilization and accomplishment.
Effectually, CM is right that the US most closely approximates an oligarchy with a thin veneer that primarily serves as a pressure relief valve for the exploitation and wrongs incurred by the working class. On that we can agree.
"to emulate the Roman Republic and its legendary divergence from a monarchy."
You're agreeing with me since I wrote: "Republic is defined as a government not ruled by a monarchy."
The rest of your answer is a whitewashed oversimplification taught in public schools. There were THREE influences for the U.S.:
1. Ancient Roman Republicanism influenced American principles of representative democracy, separation of powers, and checks and balances in the government.
Remember that a small elite ruled over the masses who had little to no power like slaves and women. Southern slaveholding Founding Fathers like Washington and Jefferson were from the gentry class in Britain, but didn't inherit wealth which went to the oldest son. They wanted to recreate the gentry in the U.S. with a small elite ruling over the masses like Rome and Britain. They were successful since the South was basically an oligarchy with no rights for blacks, women and poor whites. The latter had no public schools, rights to vote or hold office and paid most taxes.
2. The Age of Enlightenment influenced American society through ideas of reason, liberty, and democratic governance, which helped shape the foundation of the U.S. political system. Northern states emulated this model especially groups like the Quakers for democratic participation of citizens, equality and liberalism. There were townhalls for public political participation, public schools, voting rights and holding office, anti-slavery, everyone paid taxes and support for public institutions.
The dichotomy between these two groups continue today. FDR reforms represented #2 from the 1940-70s when most common folks economically progressed. 1970s-now represents #1 in which rich become richer and more powerful while everyone else becomes poorer.
Oligarchy almost never ends well (usually war or revolution). 1st ended in Civil War. 2d ended by FDR New Deal. We're in the 3rd age of oligarchy.
3. The Iroquois Confederacy influenced American ideas of federalism and governance, as the structure of their confederacy provided a model for unity and cooperation among different tribes.