Southington Library To Explore If America Is A Democracy, Republic — Or Both

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Is the United States a democracy or a republic?

With political division and debate at extreme levels nationally, this is a common discussion on forums, chat rooms, and social media.

An upcoming Southington Public Library program will examine the country's form of government through the writings and views of America's founders.

Historian Mark Albertson will present "America: A Democracy? A Republic?" on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 6 p.m. at the library.

According to the library, Albertson will examine why the founders chose a republic and why many expressed opposition to direct democracy.

While the two terms are sometimes presented as competing descriptions, the country is commonly characterized as both a constitutional republic and a representative democracy.

The distinction, however, does not necessarily make "democracy" and "republic" mutually exclusive descriptions of the modern United States.

The U.S. is considered a constitutional republic because governmental authority operates under a constitution and voters elect representatives to govern.

It is also a representative democracy because citizens choose their political representatives through elections.

In other words, unlike a direct democracy in which citizens themselves decide governmental questions, the American system generally has voters elect officials to make those decisions within a constitutional framework.

Albertson's presentation will use the founders' original words and writings to explore the historical thinking behind that system of government.

The program will also tackle several political and economic ideologies whose definitions are often debated or confused.

As a bonus topic, Albertson will discuss similarities and differences among socialism, Marxism, fascism, and syndicalism, according to the library.

Registration is not required, although participants may register through the library's online calendar to receive an automated reminder before the event.

Event details:

• What: "America: A Democracy? A Republic?" with historian Mark Albertson
• When: Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 6 p.m.
• Where: Southington Public Library
• Topics: Republics, representative and direct democracy, socialism, Marxism, fascism, and syndicalism
• Registration: Not required

For more informatoin on the program, click on this link.