They’d make these decisions themselves (or “directly”), not through any elected representatives. The city-state of Athens is credited with implementing a system of government of and by the people, whereby eligible citizens would congregate to make decisions. It’s their word – demokratia – after all. We are commonly taught that democracy is a product of ancient Greece.

This is where our history education might add some confusion. We’re not a “direct democracy,” but we are a “representative democracy.” Yes, the United States is a democracy, since we, the people, hold the ultimate political power. Well, here's the answer: Is the United States a democracy?

Copy and paste the text below, or send it in a new email message: People are always arguing about whether or not the United States is a democracy or a republic.