Classical republics and democracy contrasted

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Classical republics and democracy are very different forms of government. This is a study aid for political science based upon the principles of definition.

Throughout history these two forms of government were often confused with one another. Terrance Ball and Richard Dagger, in their book Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal, noted that "A republic, was a form of popular government, but its defenders instisted that it not be confused with a democracy." 1 Especially in modern times, the term "republic" has undergone a revolution within the form and is now synonmous with democracy. (See Republic_according_to_Wikipedia#Concepts_of_democracy.) The table below is to show the different characteristics of each in contrast with the other so that identification can be made.

Name Classical Republic Democracy
Characteristics
Form Complex or mixed Simple
Spectrum Golden Mean extreme end of spectrum
Parlimentary form Bicameral Unicameral
# of classes numerous; i.e. aristocracy, royalty, serfs one class
Dominant factor No dominant factor The poor are the dominant factor
Creating Process διoικίσμoς synœcism
Operating principle Rule of Law General Will
Social distance distinctions of rank none or forbidden
Philosophical δικαιος/righteousness egalitarianism
Environment Agrarian Urban
Economic sumptuary laws; restriction on commercialism unbridled commercialism
Spirit conservative revolutionary
Focal point Tradition progressiveness

(Please see the article Philosophy of mixed government for an expository of these points.)

Other names of the classical republic is "commonwealth", "limited monarchy", "mixed monarchy", "aristo-democracy", "mixed regime" or "limited democracy". In Greek literature, it is noted as πολιτεια, μικτη πολιτεία, or μέσος πολίτης.

For another diagram that shows the difference between classical republics and democracy, please see Aristotle's schema of governmental forms.

See also

Bibliography

  1. Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal, editors: Terence Ball and Richard Dagger, 2nd ed, HarperCollins College Publishers, l995. pg 29.
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