but I think popular opinion is with the military.
Jesus is considerably more popular than the military. So?
the military is similar in many ways to option two, sans the election part
"Sans the election part", LOL. But I don't see how it's similar at all. Option two is a bottom-up approach where authority flows up. The military is a standard top-down command hierarchy where authority flows down. The privates don't get a say in who their sergeant will be and lieutenants do not recommend majors for promotion.
Yes, Jesus is popular than the military, and more highly regarded in US politics by a majority of people. The opinions of the majority being of significant importance in a democratic political system. And certainly, there are differences. The direction of authority, which is what elections provide, is one. And there are others I'm sure I'm not mentioning, but those related to elections and authority are the biggest. But if you can't see how it's similar at all then you aren't being very charitable and aren't trying very hard. Both systems are hierarchical...
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