What really is American Government?
Cameron Downer
4/18/18
Richard Dollieslager 3:30 ENG 112
American government is one of the most unique governments in the world. We as Americans live believing that we hold power in our government and that “the power is with the people” which is a common phrase we use. Also, when discussing what type of government we are, America can be considered multiple types but yet it is still considered only one. Our nation is considered a democracy; however, I believe it is also a commonwealth, constitutional oligarchy, presidential, and socialist government.
The reason we are considered a democracy is because democracy means “a government type where the supreme power resins with the people, but also has a system of representation and delegated authority” (Melina, 2011). Another definition could be “Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives” (Volokh, 2015). Therefore, we are considered to be a democracy because we fit both of these definitions pretty well. However, we are not a direct democracy because even though we make decisions and vote we rule by majority and that is what makes our decisions.
I consider America to be somewhat a commonwealth because there are certain states that we should not forget about that classify themselves as a commonwealth. In the United States there are four states that go by commonwealth. They are Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Commonwealth is defined as “a nation, state, or other political entity founded on law and united by a compact of the people for the common good” (Melina, 2011). In this case we are talking about state. Also, The Commonwealth of Nations purpose is to “link rich and poor countries and to come together to form a diversified religious base and demographics” (Smith, 2018). Judging off of the definition provided and the purpose given from the biggest form of commonwealth government I believe that many state could be considered this. For example, Virginia is founded on law and united together, like how The Commonwealth linking countries, as well as how we come together to form a diversified religious base and demographics through our work, school, lifestyles, and socialization.
I believe the United States is a constitutional government because our basis of government is provided to us by the Constitution of the United States of America. The definition almost matches this down to the wire. A shortened version of the definition would be “a government that operates upon a document (constitution), which limits the government power and sets fundamental principles” (Melina, 2011). Therefore, we live under a constitutional government because our laws are based upon our constitution and the government is limited by this document.
I think our nation is an oligarchy because there are people who are so wealthy in America that they influence our government to perform actions based on their thoughts or opinions. One definition of oligarchy is “a government in which control is exercised by a group of individuals whose authority is based on wealth or power” (Melina, 2011). A study conducted by Princeton found that “The U.S. government now represents the rich and powerful, not the average citizen” (Chumley, 2014). Looking upon those two representations I provided I came to the conclusion that America is an oligarchy because I have seen how our government may pass laws or sway one side due to the popularity or wealth of another individual and their opinion.
I consider America to be a presidential type of government mostly because we do have an executive branch apart from legislative. In the definition provided by Live Science a presidential type government is “a system of government where the executive branch exists separately from a legislature” (Melina, 2011). Basically, our government is exactly that. We elect our president which is the head of the executive branch every four years. Which is not a part of the legislative branch like the definition pointed out. Therefore, I would consider America to be a presidential type of government.
I believe the United States is a socialist government because of how they create jobs just for workers to depend on them for their paychecks. However, I think America does this in a very good aspect of socialism. Socialist governments are defined as “a government in which the means of planning, producing, and distributing of goods is controlled by the central government that theoretically seeks a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor” (Melina, 2011). This pertains to America because the government will make jobs such as producing a dam or making a road through the Appalachian Mountains just to provide people with jobs and money to take care of their family. However, the government benefits from their work and the accomplishments of the tasks greatly as well.
In conclusion, America is very unique and can be addressed as many different types of governments. The main classification of our nation is considered a democracy; however, I believe it is also a commonwealth, constitutional oligarchy, presidential, and socialist government. Through my research and comparisons there were some types that were spot on in every aspect but I think the most crucial and truest type of government we as Americans are under is oligarchy. This is because I have seen this work and we learn about people before in America making monopolies out of businesses and almost controlling our whole government and I believe this is why I think America compares more to an oligarchy type of government rather than our label of democracy.
Work Cited
Melina, Remy. “What are the different types of Government?” Live Science, 14 Feb. 2011,
https://www.livescience.com/33027-what-are-the-different-types-of-governments.html,
Accessed 4 April 2018
Smith, Jasmine P. “What is the Commonwealth?” World Atlas, 6 April 2018,
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-commonwealth.html, Accessed 7 April 2018
Volokh, Eugene. “Is the United States of America a Republic or a Democracy?” The Washington
Post, WP Company, 13 May 2015,
www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/05/13/is-the-united-states-of-america-a-republic-or-a-democracy/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.a6ebad95300f, Accessed 15 April 2018
Chumley, Cheryl K. “America Is an Oligarchy, Not a Democracy or Republic, University Study
Finds.” The Washington Times, The Washington Times, 21 Apr. 2014, www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/apr/21/americas-oligarchy-not-democracy-or-republic-unive/, Accessed 12 April 2018