the word democracy is derived from the greek word dēmokratía which literally means "will of the people". because we are a democracy, federal aid for the poor can be seen as collective fulfillment of our duties as individuals.
We're not a Democracy, we're a Republic, big distinction
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."