America calls itself a democracy, but unelected courts, agencies, and structural biases often override the majority will. From judicial review and the Chevron era to the Senate, Electoral College, and gerrymandering, minority power frequently blocks policies supported by most citizens. Theories of democracy clash, including majoritarian, liberal, and deliberative approaches, while other countries’ parliamentary systems keep majority rule closer to power. The U.S. faces a choice: continue empowering unelected institutions or reform to restore genuine majority rule.