egarding the right of private property which is inevitably a major pillar of any democracy. All of this is in large contrast to America where we have an abundant middle class that acts as a balance to the radical groups in America. There has never been a Communist party in the United States, even during the depression when the nation was in dire need of a savior. The middle class is a strong basis of support for democracy in America. Diverse, incongruent and motivated to maintain democracy, the middle class is a stable way to ensure and sustain democracy (Heywood 210). Religion is not always considered a pillar of democracy, however, The Russian Orthodox Church being the primary religion of Russia has had a profound influence on its culture (Grudzinska-Gross 48). Its tradition of state control has helped foster a slave mentality among the Russian people. Its refusal to allow dissent or debate over religious practices has ingrained in the Russian mind the need to bow to the dictates of their superiors without question, which is not a healthy trait in a democracy. In America the presence of many religions has forced the general population to accept their fellow citizen's differences of opinion in religious matters, but in Russia the predominant Orthodox Church encouraged discrimination against other religions. Even as recently as 1993 the Russian Orthodox Church encouraged the passing of a law that would have forced religious organizations to register with the state and that would have restricted "non-traditional" religious activity. The Russian Orthodox Church has also failed to take a very active part in democracy as churches in America have done. It has not encouraged debates over policy and it has not even become involved in advocating for issues except where it is directly concerned. In stark contrast are the religious organizations in America that strongly advocate their positions. They encourage their congregations to get involved ...
