What is Democracy?

The word democracy means “rule by the people,” and empowers individuals to exercise political control over the form and functions of their government.

In a democracy, the people elect representatives to make decisions, policies, laws, etc. according to the law. Therefore, free and fair elections are a hallmark of democracy.

Democracy is a form of government in which the people vote directly against or in favor of decisions, policies, laws, etc.

In a democracy, the people meet and exercise the government in person; in a republic, they assemble and administer it by their representatives and agents.

A democracy is a form of government that empowers the people to exercise political control, limits the power of the head of state, provides for the separation of powers between governmental entities, and ensures the protection of natural rights and civil liberties.

Military Casualties

Americans have fought and died in wars to maintain our democracy. This began with the Revolutionary War and continues today with the conflict in the Middle East.

• American Revolutionary War – 70,000
• War of 1812 – 15,000
• American Civil War – 650,000
• Spanish-American War – 2,061
• World War I – 116,516
• World War II – 405,399
• Korean War – 36,574
• Vietnam War – 58,220
• War in Afghanistan – 2,235
• Iraq War – 4.492
• Total Killed in Defense of Democracy – 1,360,497

Sacrifice and Voting

Over 1.360 million men and women died to protect our freedom. However, according to the Pew Research Center, only 37% of eligible citizens voted in all three elections (2018, 2020, and 2022). Thirty percent did not vote in any of the three elections. White adults without a college degree strongly prefer Republican candidates and vote at lower rates than those with degrees. Although 63% of eligible citizens voted in all three elections, only about half of Democrats and Republicans voted in all three elections. Assuming a winning percentage of 51%, a president could be elected with only 32% of the eligible citizens. This is hardly a strong endorsement for either candidate.

The Bottom Line

So, fellow citizens, if you value your freedoms (speech, religion, gun ownership, health care, etc.) and you want to honor those who died defending these freedoms, please VOTE!