America has become so polarized that everything is political. The country is so confused that everything is subject to debate. To facilitate American political discourses, let me clearly define the following basic political terms:
- Republic.
- Democracy.
- Autocracy.
- Socialism vs. capitalism.
- Communism vs. colonialism.
Let me elaborate them one by one.
1. Republic
Read Wikipedia – Republic.
Simply put, if a country is not a monarchy, it is a republic. Three examples:
- America is a republic.
- China is also a republic.
- North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) is not a republic, but a de facto monarchy, with a son succeeding the father as the “king.”
All republics are constitutional, as they all have constitutions, in some form, at least. Therefore, the phrase “constitutional republic,” often used in American political discourse, is redundant at best.
A republic, by definition, is socialistic, as the government is supposed to serve the “public.”
America is no exception.
Specifically, founded as a republic, America was socialistic on Day 1 (What is the American Revolution, anyway (V3)?), and has remained so ever since (What is America, anyway?).
A republic has two major forms:
- Democracy, such as America.
- Autocracy, such as China.
2. Democracy
Read Wikipedia – Democracy.
In a democracy, people vote to elect their leaders. Three notes:
- The voting rights may be limited, such as the minimal voting age.
- There can be multiple forms of majority, such as a simple majority or the United States Electoral College.
- A democratic government may be headed by a person via a direct election (e.g., the American President) or by a parliamentary majority (e.g., the Canadian Prime Minister).
All democracies (i.e., one person, one vote) are representative, as it is just impossible for everybody to directly vote on everything. Instead, representatives are elected to vote for the populace at various levels (e.g., local, state, and federal). Therefore, the phrase “representative democracy”, often used in American political discourse, is redundant at best.
Democracy is a proven failure throughout history without a single example of lasting success (e.g., 200 years).
American democracy will prove to be no exception. For more, read American democracy: what is it and what’s wrong with it?
In contrast, China is not a democracy, but an autocracy.
3. Autocracy
Read Wikipedia – Autocracy.
Simply put, the Chinese Presidency is an earned emperorship (Earned emperorship in China). It has all the advantages of a monarchy, without its biggest problem: succession via the bloodline – Only proven winners need apply.
For more, read The People’s Republic of China at 73.
4. Socialism vs. capitalism
Read Wikipedia – Socialism and Wikipedia – Capitalism.
Both America and China are socialistic, because both are republics.
A country, be it a republic or not, without capitalism is dirt poor. So, the challenge for an advanced republic is to balance between socialism and capitalism, not arguing about just having one without the other, like many Americans do.
Both America and China face this challenge!
The image below is a reality check for America.
The image below highlights America’s foundational problem in this regard. For more, read Colonial America 1776-2030?
In contrast, China has obviously achieved a much better balance between socialism and capitalism. For more, read China’s state capitalism = communism + capitalism.
In short, the subject below is really the key difference between China and America …
5. Communism vs. colonialism
Two informative readings:
The PRC (People’s Republic of China) is communistic in essence, although the PRC calls itself a “socialist country with Chinese characteristics” (The People’s Republic of China at 73).
In contrast, America was actually born as a new colonial power and remains so today. Three informative readings:
- What is the American Revolution, anyway (V3)?
- Colonial America 1776-2030?
- The Monroe Doctrine at age 200.
The image below highlights the key difference between China and America.
6. Closing
Once again, America is a very confused and polarized country. It is dangerous not only to itself, but also to the world. Hopefully you find this post helpful in clarifying some basic political terms.
America, reform our failing political system, as I have suggested (History 2.0 – China’s Comeback vs. America’s Decline), or face a bloody revolution (A quarter of Americans open to taking up arms against government, poll says)!
Now, please sit back and enjoy the video below.
