pure democracy

Definition of pure democracynext

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pure democracy In their rankings, 100 is a pure democracy and zero indicates a dictatorship. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025 Though hardly a pure democracy — a hereditary emir wields decisive authority — Kuwait has an independent and democratically elected 50-member National Assembly, whose powers are limited but real. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 18 June 2024 The thinking was, however, that the slow and deliberative process for enacting legislation in the new nation’s representative democracy — rather than pure democracy — would help dilute the impact of such factions. Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2024 Many political scientists don’t consider Turkey a pure democracy, largely because of the tremendous power exercised by the president and his ability to shape the political playing field before the vote. Ben Hubbard, BostonGlobe.com, 15 May 2023 The founders did not design the United States to be a pure democracy. David Leonhardt, New York Times, 17 Sep. 2022 Some suspicion of pure democracy is essential to conservatism. Ross Douthat New York Times, Star Tribune, 16 Mar. 2021 Since pure democracy and genuine authenticity are conditions that can only be reached for, never fully achieved, this was a formula for lifelong commitment. Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure democracy
Noun
  • His ideology was shaped by a combination of conservative principles, a belief in democracy and a commitment to defending freedom and liberty.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • As with all things in a loud, messy, pluralistic democracy, public opinion plays a role here too—and Americans are clearly ready for action.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The tiny coral limestone atoll was colonized by Germany and later administered by Australia before becoming an independent republic in 1968.
    Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • She’s seen this show before, in the 1980s, back in Slovenia, her home republic then within the socialist federation of Yugoslavia, as nationalism relentlessly championed differences over commonality and force over dialogue.
    Matt Thompson, SPIN, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pure democracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pure%20democracy. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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