To the editor,

Many people claim that America is a “republic” but not a “democracy;” some even publish on social media using ALL CAPS and plenty of exclamation points!!!!! No matter how they say it, though, stating that “America is a republic NOT a democracy” makes no sense. It’s like saying “I have a labrador, NOT a dog,” or “I’m NOT wet, I’m covered in water.” 

The two are inseparable. Simply stated, our government is a democratic republic.

The greatest problem facing America isn’t that some people don’t know our correct form of government, but rather that President Trump and congressional Republicans are governing as if they don’t know.

In 1787 our newly created Constitution allowed citizens to elect representative officials to make decisions based on the democratic principle of majority rule. 

The Constitution also established a system of checks and balances. The legislative branch has the power to enact laws, control taxing and spending policies, establish taxes and tariffs, and declare war. 

The judicial branch interprets laws and the Constitution, hears criminal and civil cases, and ensures the rule of law. 

 The executive branch enforces laws passed by Congress, provides a Commander-in-Chief, and appoints officials necessary to help run the federal government.

Our Constitution also relies on federalism, where 50 semi-autonomous states manage themselves largely free from interference by the national government.  Traditionally states have had the power to manage public education, control voting laws, and establish police agencies to preserve the rule of law.

Tragically, we have a president who is destroying the entire system because he believes that Article II of the Constitution gives him the power to do whatever he wants and a Republican Congress that lets him. Republicans have given Trump the power over taxation, including tariffs, spending, and full power to wage an undeclared war.

Our federal system is literally under attack. Trump has sent armed troops into Minneapolis and other cities.  He may send federal troops into states to intimidate voters and get the results he wants. He continues to use federal funding as a weapon against Wisconsin and other states. Finally, he will be allowed to use our tax dollars to create a slush fund with which to reward the January 6 criminals and other allies.

Laurie Harmon

Hudson