Republicanism vs. Democracy in Early America

Early American revolutionary elites, including wealthy landowners, merchants, and planters, viewed pure democracy (direct majority rule) as a dangerous system. They equated it with anarchy and 'mob rule,' fearing that an envious public would seize and redistribute their wealth. Conservative Whigs particularly opposed democracy for these reasons, preferring a republican structure.

Prevailing political theories held that a republic's survival depended on the virtue of its citizens, with corruption leading to collapse. Revolutionary leaders considered property ownership the ideal measure of civic virtue, as property holders were believed to have a 'stake in society' making them trustworthy for governance. Non-property holders were excluded. This perspective meant early republicanism favored the wealthy elite and perpetuated social deference, reflecting traditional British class structures.