Larry Bradley's Weekly E-zine Issue #7 March 19, 2008

1. Back to the Basics—Definitions of Political Terms and Theories

Among the things we have been talking about recently are labels and definitions of terms. As has been said before, sometimes common sense is not that common. Sometimes we use terms thinking we all have a common understanding of those terms, when in fact we do not. For example, we may talk about the fact that we live in a democracy. But then we note the fact that we pledge allegiance “to the flag, and to the republic for which it stands,” not the “democracy” for which it stands. This brings up the question of, “What’s the difference between a republic and a democracy?”

So, today I’m going to show you the results of some research I did on political terms to refresh our memory of those terms during this election season. They’re in no political order. I have no particular agenda other than to offer you a factual review of political terminology, nor do I consider the list to be absolutely comprehensive. If you feel there are some other key terms that should have been included, then by all means note that fact in the commentary. The definitions and discussion links have been obtained through a search of the dictionary and Google queries. I have several links providing what I think you will find to be some remarkably insightful and thought provoking commentary.

Here we go.

Populism

1. politics unfavorable to elite: politics or political ideology based on the perceived interests of ordinary people, as opposed to those of a privileged elite.
2. focus on ordinary people: focus or emphasis on the lives of ordinary people, e.g. in the arts and in politics.

Elitism

Opposite of Populism

Communism

Classless political system: the political theory or system in which all property and wealth is owned in a classless society by all the members of that society.

Fascism

Dictatorial movement: any movement, ideology, or attitude that favors dictatorial government, centralized control of private enterprise, repression of all opposition, and extreme nationalism.

Plutocracy

1. governance by wealthy: the rule of a society by its wealthiest people.
2. Society ruled by wealthy: a society that is ruled by its wealthiest members.
3. Wealthy ruling class: A wealthy social class that controls or greatly influences the government of a society

Democracy

 
1. free and equal representation of people: the free and equal right of every person to participate in a system of government, often practiced by electing representatives of the people by the majority of the people
2. democratic nation: a country with a government that has been elected freely and equally by all its citizens
3. democratic system of government: a system of government based on the principle of majority decision-making
4. control of organization by members: the control of an organization by its members, who have a free and equal right to participate in decision-making processes

Republic

 
1. political system with elected representatives: a political system or form of government in which people elect representatives to exercise power for them
2. state with elected representatives: a country or other political unit whose government or political system is that of a republic
3. unit within larger country: a constituent political and territorial unit of a national federation or union
4. group with collective interests: a group of people who are considered to be equals and who have a collective interest, objective, or vocation      

Reading the pure definitions shows little difference between a Democracy and a Republic. Let’s look at this a little more in depth. The distinction is important.

Difference Between a Republic and a Democracy

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-a-republic-and-a-democracy.htm

http://www.tax-freedom.com/ta19007.htm

http://www.capmag.com/article.asp?ID=3388

http://www.albatrus.org/english/goverment/govenrment/democracy%20versus%20repubblic.htm

http://www.tmra2.org/images/democracyvsrepublic.pdf

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42248

http://www.lexrex.com/enlightened/AmericanIdeal/aspects/demrep.html

Definition of Socialism

http://www.redletterpress.org/socialism101.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism

Definition of Capitalism

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:capitalism&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title

Definition of Classic Liberalism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_liberalism

Definition of  Conservatism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_conservatism

2. HBO’s John Adams Mini-Series

A friend used the word “riveting” to describe the first two episodes of this series. I agree.

What a marvelous way to go back to the beginning and remind yourself of the origins of this country and the struggles and sacrifices of our forbearers to give us the country we have today.

What an incredible means to cause yourself to ask in this election year, “Is what we are doing today worthy of the sacrifice they made and the gift they gave us?”

3. Administrative Notes:

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