Logo

Why is the word "democracy" not in the preamble of the US Constitution?

Last Updated: 27.06.2025 11:35

Why is the word "democracy" not in the preamble of the US Constitution?

When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.

—Alexis de Tocqueville

Why? Try these on for size:

World-First: Scientists Capture a Rare Lightning-Triggered Gamma-Ray Burst - SciTechDaily

Majority-rules democracy is the way that majorities run roughshod over minorities, destroying rights and all ideas of equality under the law. No fair-minded person wants anything to do with democracy.

To slaves: “You can forget your notions of freedom. We voted fair and square and your side lost.”

To Indians: “Pack up what belongings you can carry and start walking to Oklahoma. Your fertile lands are ours now. We voted fair and square and your side lost.”

Am I the unique Gen Z if I dislike TikTok and prefer the 2000s technology trends like retro consoles, CRTs, and CD/DVDs?

To blacks: “You can’t drink from that water fountain… eat in this cafeteria… ride this bus… go to this school. We voted fair and square and your side lost.

I do not say that democracy has been more pernicious on the whole, and in the long run, than monarchy or aristocracy. Democracy has never been and never can be so durable as aristocracy or monarchy; but while it lasts, it is more bloody than either.

Meanwhile, when the Democratic Party formed in 1828, it was with a Tory outlook keen on robbing others of their rights:

French Open: No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka ends Swiatek's reign and meets No. 2 Coco Gauff for the trophy - AP News

In other words, our Founding Fathers and other Whig intellects of that time well understood that democratic methods are the surefire means to do serious damage to the rights guaranteed under republican self-government.

—Benjamin Franklin

[with republicanism being the rights-protecting form of governance afforded us by our Constitution]

How did you respond to, "Why do you love me"?

Another tendency, which is extremely natural to democratic nations and extremely dangerous, is that which leads them to despise and undervalue the rights of private persons.

—John Adams

The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind.

Does Rosemary aroma really improve memory? Here’s what research says - Times of India

—Thomas Jefferson