For the purpose of distinguishing democracy and republic, a democracy allows full power of the majority while a republic consist of a set of principles and beliefs that limits the power of the group of citizens.
According to the essay, “Perspectives on the Constitution: A Republic, If You Can Keep It”, by Richard R. Beeman, he states, “...democratic republics are not merely founded upon the consent of the people, they are also absolutely dependent upon the active and informed involvement of the people for their continued good health” (Beeman). Democracy has failed poorly in history because of the majority making choices that only benefits themselves which is called mob rule. Based on James Madison’s excerpt, “Federalist No. 10”, he affirms, “...that the same advantage which a republic has over a democracy, in controlling the effects of faction, is enjoyed by a large over a small republic…” (Madison). By all means, a republic allows elected representatives to make laws and give safeguards for both the majority and the
minority. As the question is said, how do we ‘’keep a republic”, the rule of law must stay above all representatives and citizens of the United States to provide a balance of power. In accordance to the primary source, “George Washington’s First Inaugural Address”, he asserts, “And since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people” (Washington). Washington believed that people deserve their rights and privileges as American citizens; to preserve American individuality, a Republican government must be in place for equity and harmony for all. The Founders reject a democracy model when writing the US Constitution because of failures by mob rule and unfairness because of the unlimited power of the majority. Overall, sustaining a Republic requires representatives to make the laws and staying under political authority away from popular passions in order to keep a stable government in consideration to the safeguard of human rights.