The Irony of “MAGA”:

Why the “Not a Democracy” Argument Misses the Point

By Aiden Cross

by author

Ah, the good ol’ “We are a republic, not a democracy” declaration — a MAGA favorite, right up there with “Make America Great Again!” itself. It’s the rhetorical equivalent of showing up to a fast-food joint, ordering a burger, and then passionately insisting, “Actually, it’s a sandwich, not a meal.” Sure, you’re technically correct, but aren’t you missing the bigger picture here?

But here’s where things get a little ironic. The U.S., as it turns out, is both a republic and a democracy — a two-for-one special, if you will. And whether they like it or not, MAGA supporters rely on both aspects of this system to push their agenda forward. So, while they’re busy playing semantic games, they’re simultaneously participating in the very democratic processes they claim to loathe. Delicious, isn’t it?

Defining the Concepts: Republic vs. Democracy

Now, let’s break this down for the crowd in the back, shall we?

1. Republic: This is essentially government by elected representatives who must follow a set of laws laid out in a constitution. Think of it as a national game of “Simon Says,” but Simon is the Constitution, and the players are politicians — often reluctant, occasionally clever, but always trying to outmaneuver each other while claiming to uphold Simon’s rules.
2. Representative Democracy: Here, elected officials act on behalf of the citizens, meaning regular elections, majority rule, and all the other fun stuff that comes with people trying to convince each other that their vote actually counts. The U.S. isn’t just a republic; it’s a hybrid model designed to incorporate both representative democracy and constitutional rule. It’s like calling your favorite dessert “ice cream” when it’s actually a banana split — there’s more to it than one flavor.

The MAGA Movement’s Claim

MAGA folks love to tell us, “We are a republic, not a democracy!” as if they’re sharing a revelation on par with “The Earth is round!” This claim serves a strategic purpose — it’s a subtle way of arguing for more states’ rights and less federal oversight. It’s also an argument used to downplay direct forms of voter participation, like, say, national voting rights legislation or expanded ballot access.

So, when someone in a red hat loudly declares, “Not a democracy!” they’re really saying, “I’d like to limit voting access, thank you very much!” It’s less a love letter to the Founding Fathers and more a breakup text to democratic participation.

The Irony: MAGA’s Use of Democratic Processes

But here’s where it gets downright hilarious:

1. Participation in Democratic Elections: MAGA candidates run for office like everyone else — via elections, those inherently democratic processes they claim to be above. They hold rallies, engage in debates, and court voters with slogans about freedom, liberty, and, ironically enough, “saving democracy.” Nothing screams “down with democracy” quite like a red, white, and blue campaign rally, right?
2. Lobbying and Legislation: MAGA’s strategy involves persuading elected officials to pass laws, which is, you guessed it, part of the democratic system. So, while they chant “Republic! Republic!” they’re also whispering sweet nothings to the machinery of representative democracy.
3. Judicial Challenges: Let’s not forget MAGA’s love affair with the courts, which exist to interpret laws made by representatives. If MAGA had a Tinder bio, it would say: “Not into democracy, but will swipe right on judicial activism.” Their favorite way to challenge democratically passed laws? Sue, baby, sue.

The Founders’ Intent

Cue the Founding Fathers rolling in their graves. The creators of this “democratic republic” envisioned a balanced system, not one defined by selective labels. James Madison didn’t write the Federalist Papers as a set of talking points for cable news. He actually wanted to create a government that blends democratic will with constitutional safeguards. It’s almost like the Founders wanted both — a representative democracy and a republic! Go figure.

Misconceptions and Motivations Behind “We Are Not a Democracy”

So why the obsession with denying democracy? Well, MAGA has a few motivations up its sleeve:

1. Fear of Mob Rule: It’s the old “Beware the masses!” argument. Democracy, they claim, leads to chaos — an overcaffeinated crowd with pitchforks. Ironically, this fear coexists comfortably with MAGA’s love for massive rallies and grassroots populism.
2. States’ Rights Nostalgia: MAGA’s “republic” mantra dovetails with a desire to empower states. This often translates into fewer federal regulations and more localized control, which is another way of saying, “Let’s restrict voter access as creatively as possible.”
3. Limiting Voter Participation: The ultimate goal here is to preserve a system where power stays with certain groups while others struggle to reach the ballot box. MAGA’s not anti-voting; they’re just particular about who gets to do it.

The Broader Implications of Denying Democracy

By rejecting the democratic aspects of our system, MAGA folks are inadvertently undermining the very principles they claim to defend. Here’s what can happen when we go too far down this rabbit hole:

1. Voting Restrictions: Less democracy means fewer opportunities to vote, and, surprise, fewer people participating in elections.
2. Eroding Trust in Institutions: If people keep hearing “not a democracy” enough times, they might actually start to believe it, leading to even less faith in Congress, elections, and other democratic processes.
3. Weakening Popular Sovereignty: It’s a dangerous road, one that can ultimately undermine the principle of popular sovereignty — the foundation of both our democratic and republican elements.

So, yes, America is a republic. It’s also a democracy. The two aren’t mutually exclusive; they’re interdependent. MAGA’s refusal to acknowledge the democratic side of the coin is like insisting your car only has a brake pedal and wondering why you’re not going anywhere. The U.S. system thrives precisely because it blends both principles. Dismissing one half of this hybrid system doesn’t just miss the point; it risks misrepresenting the nature of American governance altogether.

And in the end, understanding the full scope of this political reality isn’t just a philosophical exercise — it’s the key to a more informed, less ironic debate. So, the next time someone yells, “Not a democracy!” maybe remind them they’re shouting it at a voting booth.