How does American democracy differ from the theory of democratic government?

America is a Democratic-Republic, not a Democracy.

If we had a true Democracy, we the people would vote on EVERY issue (every law, every bill, everything). Instead, we elect leaders to make those decisions. If we had a true Democracy, nothing would ever get done because getting 200 million people to the polls on a weekly or daily basis would cost so much money and we would never agree on anything. Easy, the US is a Republic not a true Democracy. The Theory of a Democratic Government is that everyone eligible to vote on an issue has to vote on said issue before it is resolved. You can't grant anyone else your vote. Also, the majority wins all and makes the rules. The minority has no rights and no protection under a true Democracy.