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Categories - Copywriting - Shopping - Free Online Business Help - Telecommunications Services Articles: Government - Republicanism A Republican believes that individual rights take precedence over the will of the majority and stands in opposition to any form of dictatorship or tyranny that may be imposed by an individual or by the majority. The United States was formed as a constitutional republic as opposed to a democracy where the majority rules. Republicanism in the United States grew out of beliefs in individual rights as outlined in the Constitution.
However, Republicanism does not represent anarchy. A Republican believes that individuals have the protected ability to exercise their rights as long as they don’t impose on the individual rights of others. An individual protestor would not be allowed to exercise his right to free speech and prevent the others from hearing a speaker at a rally, but the protestor would have the right to speak outside of the room where the rally is being presented. An individual student is not allowed to disrupt a classroom and prevent the other students from learning. An atheist is allowed to be an atheist and express his views, but he is not allowed to prevent others from practicing their religion by disrupting another religious ceremony. Anyone from any religion may practice their religion as long as their religion is not harmful to the rights of others.
Respecting the right of freedom of the press, which was a right given to the people so that they could stay informed and freely write their opinions, Republicans would allow an individual to hand out leaflets or wear clothing bannered with political causes anywhere that the public gathers as long as the individual is not disruptive and doesn’t hamper the free movement of others. A Republican supports the right of the people, including the minorities, to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
One of the most important things that a Republican believes in is the right of individuals to protect themselves and others. A Republican would never prevent an individual from bearing arms for protection against a possible attacker or a tyrannical government.
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Republicans respect individual property rights and privacy. They would never allow an individual’s property to be seized or searched or their communications to be secretly monitored without going through a legal process where a legal reason to do so was proven and even then, only the specific things in question could be seized or searched. Republicans would never allow private property to be taken for public use without just compensation to the owner.
To protect against the abuse of power, a Republican would not allow anyone to be seized and held against his will without being charged of a crime through a legal process. Any person being charged and held for a crime has the right to a speedy trial and the right to reasonable bail. No one should be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. A person should not be forced to testify against himself and has the right to question those who accuse him of a crime and to bring witnesses to counter the accusations. An individual has the right to equal representation by an attorney.
Republicanism is the belief that all individuals are created equal, have equal rights, and that those rights should be protected by the government. Republicans believe that unless individuals freely give a specific right to the government, the individual retains all rights.
This is a good video about why we have a Republic. http://www.wimp.com/thegovernment/
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