In a direct election the candidates are chosen by the people at large, while in an indirect election the candidates are chosen by the Representatives of the people.
A direct election is a good example of democracy in action while an indirect election is more reminiscent of a Republic.
So, if the United States is a Republic, why are we using a democratic model to elect our Senators instead of the appointment process described in the Constitution; Article I, Section 3, Clause 1, wherein;
"The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the legislatures thereof,.."
In 1913 however, our Republican form of government was converted into a democracy with the passage of the 17th Amendment. Why do we continue to "pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States and the Republic for which it stands,"?
The rights of the individual can only be secure in a republican form of government, as guaranteed in Article IV, Section 4, wherein;
"The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican form of government,.."
In a democracy the will of the 51% majority trumps the rights of the remaining 49%.
Replies