Logo

Why is the word "democracy" not in the preamble of the US Constitution?

12.06.2025 03:00

Why is the word "democracy" not in the preamble of the US Constitution?

—Thomas Jefferson

Majority-rules democracy is the way that majorities run roughshod over minorities, destroying rights and all ideas of equality under the law. No fair-minded person wants anything to do with democracy.

[with republicanism being the rights-protecting form of governance afforded us by our Constitution]

China says its exports to the US fell 35% in May, as trade talks are due to start in London - AP News

—Alexis de Tocqueville

In other words, our Founding Fathers and other Whig intellects of that time well understood that democratic methods are the surefire means to do serious damage to the rights guaranteed under republican self-government.

To Indians: “Pack up what belongings you can carry and start walking to Oklahoma. Your fertile lands are ours now. We voted fair and square and your side lost.”

My scammer is blackmailing me. If I don't pay 300 euros, he will send my intimate photos to my relatives. What should I do?

I do not say that democracy has been more pernicious on the whole, and in the long run, than monarchy or aristocracy. Democracy has never been and never can be so durable as aristocracy or monarchy; but while it lasts, it is more bloody than either.

Why? Try these on for size:

—Benjamin Franklin

Column: Having to replace high profile coaches is suddenly common for UVa - CavsCorner: Virginia Cavaliers Football & Basketball Recruiting

Another tendency, which is extremely natural to democratic nations and extremely dangerous, is that which leads them to despise and undervalue the rights of private persons.

The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind.

To blacks: “You can’t drink from that water fountain… eat in this cafeteria… ride this bus… go to this school. We voted fair and square and your side lost.

For the first time, an external factor turns a male mammal into a female - EL PAÍS English

—John Adams

Meanwhile, when the Democratic Party formed in 1828, it was with a Tory outlook keen on robbing others of their rights:

To slaves: “You can forget your notions of freedom. We voted fair and square and your side lost.”

What do flat Earthers think causes the "magical downward force"?

When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.