Reply #15: I think there are a couple of reasons...

[jtuck004]

From : http://www.1215.org/lawnotes/lawnotes/repvsdem.htm There are others, but pretty close.

"A republic and a democracy are identical in every aspect except one. In a republic the sovereignty is in each individual person. In a democracy the sovereignty is in the group.

Republic. That form of government in which the powers of sovereignty are vested in the people and are exercised by the people, either directly, or through representatives chosen by the people, to whom those powers are specially delegated.

Democracy. That form of government in which the sovereign power resides in and is exercised by the whole body of free citizens directly or indirectly through a system of representation, as distinguished from a monarchy, aristocracy, or oligarchy. "

I think that whole "I can be an individual and ignore your big government stuff" is very appealing - right or wrong, I have heard similar characterizations from more than one person.

The other goes to the whole meaning of language - Republic sounds more like Republican. Anything starting with "democra..." _should_ be replaced. A guy in Louisiana told me this one.

That second thing sounds a little out there, but the conservatives have paid much attention to how language can persuade and frame discussions, and they drive discussions by framing their positions to focus on the emotional, not thoughtful, and often not factual. Progressives, otoh, generally seem to "think" through things, and use reason to persuade. My take, anyway