E Pluribus Unum –

"E Pluribus Unum" means "Out of many, one." This maxim was one of the nation's mottos at the time of the creation of the Great Seal of the United States (see back of one-dollar bill). Charles Thompson designed the seal, and Congress approved it on June 20, 1782. The emblem projects the founders’ original vision of peace and unity. It has significant purpose and meaning to past, present, and future generations of Americans.

On one side the image consists of an American bald eagle with spread wings with a shield covering its breast. The shield is without support to signify that the United States of America must trust in its own virtue. It consists of 13 stripes representing the original states that joined into one union. In the eagles beak is a banner with the motto "E Pluribus Unum." In its right (stronger) talon it holds an olive branch symbolizing peace, and in the left talon it holds 13 arrows. The arrows represent the collective resolve and power of the 13 states forming the new union. Together, the olive branch and arrows denote the power of peace and war. The eagle is looking to the (stronger right talon) side of the olive branch to signal the new states preference for peace above war. A constellation of 13 stars is above the eagle. The stars represent the arrival of a new state that is taking its place among other sovereign powers.

The other side of the seal contains a partially-constructed pyramid that signifies strength and duration. Furthermore, the unfinished pyramid symbolizes the founding fathers’ desire for future generations to continue building upon the foundation they began. Above the unfinished pyramid is an eye that represents providence. Beams of light representing glory surround the eye. Above the pyramid is the motto "Annuit Coeptis" that translates "favor undertakings." The imagery of all three signals that providence favors the American cause. Inscribed on the foundation of the pyramid is "1776" in Roman Numerals. Underneath the pyramid is the banner "Novus Ordo Seclorum" that means "A New Order of the Ages." This acknowledges the beginning of the new American era commencing in the year 1776.

Republic or Democracy?

Is the United States a republic, democracy, or a hybrid form of government? Today’s politicians mostly refer to our system of government as a democracy and not a republic. I find this word-play to be confusing and somewhat divisive.

What does the United States Constitution say about this question, and does this guiding document mention the word republic? In searching the text, I found “republican” used one time in Article 4, Section 4. Interestingly, the Constitution contains the word “union” seven times, and democracy is never used. The Pledge of Allegiance is the only official document I can find in which “republic” is used.

According to historical records and writings, the Founding Fathers verbally referred to the country as a republic in private and public discussions. However, their orientation to a republic was largely based on a classic republican form of government used in ancient Rome and Greece; these republics were small city-states. A republic the size of the United States never before existed. Furthermore, they possessed a negative opinion of democratic forms of government based largely on the principle of majority rule as the deciding factor in governing.

Our form of government is a hybrid. It depends on a popular form of government where our representatives win election with a majority vote. This is the rare time that the “majority rules” so to speak. The election of representatives, by and for the people, as well as the participation of the people in the process is a characteristic of a democracy, but our country is governed by the rule of law set forth by the Constitution as opposed to the rule of a monarch or majority, which is the distinguishing feature of a republican form of government.