American Form of Govt

Democratic Republic

America's form of government is a democratic republic. The people choose leaders to represent their interests at the higher levels of government where legislation occurs. However, the laws that are made must remain within the confines of the Constitution, which protects the rights of the individual from the tyranny of a democratically elected majority that could seek to deny one's inalienable individual rights through the vote of a 51% democratic majority. 

Our Founders studied the history of previous governmental structures down throughout history. They learned from the past how governments would eventually degenerate into oligarchies. Democracies proved to be unstable and a 51% majority would often override the rights of the individual in the name of the common good for everyone. For example, if 51% of the population decided to eliminate all people with red hair in order to clean up the gene pool of the majority, then the people with red hair could be exterminated by the will of the 51% majority. Our Founders wanted to protect the rights of individuals against the abuses of the 51% majority. 

To accomplish this goal our Founders established a republic form of government in which our representatives would be elected by the people. These representatives would work at the legislative level of government to craft laws which had to be within the legal standards articulated within our Constitution. The laws which were crafted could not override the inalienable rights of individuals in the minority of voters. A checks and balance system was also established to divide the power of the state government and to make sure the laws did not go beyond the restrictions placed in the Constitution. 

The following video explains the various forms of government and how our Founders were moved to establish a democratic republic.

America's republic form of government is really a byproduct of our nation's earlier history and the ideas that originated with the early settlers of America. In particular, the influence of the Pilgrims and the Puritans was major. Their faith and ideas regarding government played an important role in the development of the nation's early state governments. The stream of theology that played a central role in the life and governments of these early settlers were derived from the Reformation. This theological stream is often referred to as Reformed or Covenant theology. 

Calvin's theology and the governmental ideas that originated from his teachings played a major role in how their church governmental structures were established. Calvin taught that because mankind had a fallen human nature no one person could be trusted with too much authority, since they could easily abuse that authority. Their churches developed a system of checks and balances that later served as a template for how they would develop their state republic civic governmental structures. The civic federal model would later play a critical role in how the Constitution of America would be formed with its system of checks and balances on state power. 

For those readers who would like to follow up on the history of this early development of our nation's government refer to the books listed.

As our national fabric unravels before a watching world, the unanswered question of the twenty-first century cries for a response: What happened to the America that once led the world by example?

To put it bluntly, we have forgotten the covenant that our Founders made with our Creator. Its very meaning has been canceled by a secular elite at war with the truth.

The American Covenant: The Untold Story documents in exciting and vivid detail the Biblically based principles and personalities that formed the foundation for America’s economic, governmental, legal, educational, and spiritual institutions. The brilliant strategy of our Founders is contained in this volume and is providing hope for families and nations worldwide. (288 pages, 9 × 6 × .70 in)

Endorsements

Marshall Foster has a passion to teach Americans about our rich Christian legacy and the incredible impact of Christianity on Western civilization. I am honored to recommend his work.

— Jerry Newcombe, D.Min., Senior producer, D. James Kennedy Ministries and best-selling author

Marshall Foster is a premier historian who has the unique gift of making history truly come alive. His passion to teach the Biblical source of America’s freedoms inspires all who hear him. “Covenant keepers win, and covenant breakers lose.” His writings open the door to personalities and events of the past in vivid color. He connects dots that make sense of current events, and he stirs the hearts of his readers to engage in the struggle to pass our liberties on to a promising future generation! Marshall personally inspired me many years ago. I purchased and devoured his books and tapes, and I can unequivocally say that he is significantly responsible for my career in writing and teaching American history! I highly recommend the work of Marshall Foster to every freedom-loving individual.

— William J. Federer, President of Amerisearch Inc. and best-selling author

In the early 1980s, I read and taught Marshall Foster’s The American Covenant and am delighted it is updated, revised, and put back into print in 2021. Marshall has crisscrossed America for decades, passionately teaching our providential history, covenantal understanding, and Christian self-government.  These are articulated here in his book The American Covenant in a fresh way for a new generation in America. This book is truly a tool to give you a passion and deeper understanding that the prayer Jesus taught us might be fulfilled: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

— Dr. Paul Jehle, President, Plymouth Rock Foundation

A friend laid a copy of The American Covenant on the table between a group of us, put her hand firmly on the cover, looked us square in the eye, and said, “This is exactly what America needs right now. The American people have to have this book.” She’s exactly right. We need the American Covenant right now. There is no better study suited to provide answers for the challenges we are facing today. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a book that will thrill your heart, bolster your courage, and inspire your thinking.

— Charcie Russell, Radio Talk Show Host; Founder and Director of Development, MOPS International

The American Covenant: The Untold Story has changed the lives of so many people. I was one of the first people to read it. I started a school as part of our church ministry. Marshall’s book became the primary textbook for the students in U.S. History. It opens the reader’s eyes to the reality of America’s greatness and the reason for it: God!

— Pastor Rob Scribner, Pro-football running back for the Los Angeles Rams, Pastor, Lighthouse Church in Santa Monica and author

In this historic study, David W. Hall argues that Calvinism had a greater influence on America's founders than contemporary scholars, and perhaps even the founders themselves, have understood. Calvinism's insistence that human rulers tend to err played a significant role in the founders' prescription of limited government and fed the distinctly American philosophy in which political freedom for citizens is held as the highest value. Hall's timely work countervails many scholars' doubt in the intellectual efficacy of religion by showing that religious teachings have led to such progressive ideals as American democracy and freedom. 

A distinguished professor debunks the assertion that America's Founders were deists who desired the strict separation of church and state and instead shows that their political ideas were profoundly influenced by their Christian convictions.

In 2010, David Mark Hall gave a lecture at the Heritage Foundation entitled "Did America Have a Christian Founding?" His balanced and thoughtful approach to this controversial question caused a sensation. C-SPAN televised his talk, and an essay based on it has been downloaded more than 300,000 times.

In this book, Hall expands upon this essay, making the airtight case that America's Founders were not deists. He explains why and how the Founders' views are absolutely relevant today, showing

• that they did not create a "godless" Constitution;

• that even Jefferson and Madison did not want a high wall separating church and state;

• that most Founders believed the government should encourage Christianity; and

• that they embraced a robust understanding of religious liberty for biblical and theological reasons.

This compelling and utterly persuasive book will convince skeptics and equip believers and conservatives to defend the idea that Christian thought was crucial to the nation's founding--and that this benefits all of us, whatever our faith (or lack of faith).