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

Last Updated: 20.06.2025 10:04

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

—Thomas Jefferson

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.

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

Why did lobsters evolve bright colors if they are neither poisonous nor venomous?

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

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

Why? Try these on for size:

Why are Indians so influenced by the Western culture, when the Indian tradition has so much to give?

—Alexis de Tocqueville

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.

—John Adams

Is the Democrat party connected with organized crime in America?

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

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.

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.”

What are some tips for making your husband fall madly in love with you again after going through the worst phase of your marriage?

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.

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

—Benjamin Franklin

Why do I sometimes hear full conversations when I am alone?

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.