Constitutionally we are very different. But we don't follow the constitution and they've rigged system to become a democracy and ignore the republic part. That's the entire purpose of civil rights, women's suffrage, and even all men get to vote. Key requirements of upholding the republic is that only those with skin in the game (land owning white males of morale character) get to vote for representation. People seem to have forgotten the cascading effect this very simple concept has on everything around us. Never mind the actual 13th amendment which prohibits lawyers and royalty from participating in government in any way. Which basically means 90% of all of our current government wouldn't be there today. Almost all POTUS are royalty. Almost all representatives are lawyers. Fundamentally and constitutionally we are very different. The massive corruption has made us the same. Which is why your "same" comparison is very apt.