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

Last Updated: 17.06.2025 00:57

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

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

—Benjamin Franklin

Why? Try these on for size:

Why do some women alter their faces by so-called cosmetic surgeries (on their eyes, cheeks, lips, chin, jaw) that making them look like Donald Duck or puffy aliens, while for most men these unnatural facial changes are ridiculous or even disgusting?

—Alexis de Tocqueville

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

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.

Why is my ex still keeping in touch with me even though she dumped me?

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.

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.

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.

Who is someone that inspires you?

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.

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

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

What baseball stories from the early days of the sport seem too bizarre to be true?

—John Adams

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.”

—Thomas Jefferson

Why do people hate fat people so much, even people who aren't exactly supermodels themselves? It seems like such a deep, passionate hatred, like they're offended by fat people just existing. Fat people didn't do anything to them, so why hate them?

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