We are, indeed, a democratic constitutional republic.
If you think that democratic principles are implied by the word "republic", I suggest you review the nature of the governments of some of the communist REPUBLICS.
As for the election of the President, the Electoral College is simply a compounding of the republican principle. The voters vote for the Electors, who then represent them.
My point was that the justification for having a republic of any kind always boils down to the deficiencies of pure democracy. Expecting Palin to touch this topic at all is unreasonable, given that the liberals will always opt for direct democracy when the existing mechanisms fail them.
When I was in school, I took my own tests and received a grade of my own. The behavior of the majority of students was typically of no import whatsoever. That situation has little bearing on how government works, where I am entitled only to that which the majority will approve and obligated for anything the majority wishes to provide to others.
Calling the U.S. a democracy is in no way wrong, misleading, or subject to criticism. Most educated people I know use the term "pure democracy" to describe a situation where no republican elements are present.
If you think that democratic principles are implied by the word "republic"...
Why are you trying to put words in my mouth?
...I suggest you review the nature of the governments of some of the communist REPUBLICS.
See reply 65. Tell me something I don't know.
As to your subsequent request in reply 69...No thanks! The rules to your game keep changing, and to only your advantage.
Have a nice day and may your goalposts always remain stationary, instead of constantly fluctuating.