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Republicanism is the political value system that has dominated American political thought since the [[American Revolution]].  It stresses ''liberty'' and ''rights'' as central values, makes the people as a whole sovereign, rejects aristocracy and inherited political power, expects citizens to be independent and calls on them to perform civic duties, and is strongly opposed to corruption.  The American version of republicanism was formed by the [[Founding Fathers]] in the 18th century and was based on English models as well as Roman and European ideas.  It formed the basis for the fighting the British in 1775, the [[Declaration of Independence|declaring independence]] (1776) and creating a powerful written Constitution (1787); it appears in highly influential statements from [[Abraham Lincoln]] and others.  

Republicanism is the political value system that has dominated American political thought since the [[American Revolution]].  It stresses ''liberty'' and ''rights'' as central values, makes the people as a whole sovereign, rejects aristocracy and inherited political power, expects citizens to be independent and calls on them to perform civic duties, and is strongly opposed to corruption.  The American version of republicanism was formed by the [[Founding Fathers]] in the 18th century and was based on English models as well as Roman and European ideas.  It formed the basis for the fighting the British in 1775, the [[Declaration of Independence|declaring independence]] (1776) and creating a powerful written Constitution (1787); it appears in highly influential statements from [[Abraham Lincoln]] and others.  

Republicanism is not the same as democracy, for republicanism asserts that people have inalienable rights that cannot be voted away by a majority of voters. In a true democracy, the voters have no limits.  Republicanism and democracy are two political philosophies (along with classical liberalism) that have dominated all American politics. Indeed, the terms are enshrined in the names of the two major parties, but both parties in practice combine both republicanism and democracy.  

Republicanism is not the same as democracy, for republicanism asserts that people have inalienable rights that cannot be voted away by a majority of voters. In a true democracy, the voters have no limits.  Republicanism and democracy are two political philosophies (along with classical liberalism) that have dominated all American politics. Indeed, the terms are enshrined in the names of the two major parties, but both parties in practice combine both republicanism and democracy. The United States is not a democracy and was never intended to be one.<ref>Snowball, Timothy (October 29, 2018). [https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/413142-the-united-states-is-not-a-democracy-and-it-wasnt-meant-to-be-one The United States is not a democracy — and it wasn't meant to be one]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved October 29, 2018.</ref>

The republican ideal of civic duty was succinctly expressed in 1961 by the Democrat [[John F. Kennedy]]: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

The republican ideal of civic duty was succinctly expressed in 1961 by the Democrat [[John F. Kennedy]]: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."