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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Democracy and Republic?

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The main difference between a democracy and a republic lies in the limits placed on government by a constitution or charter of rights that protects certain inalienable rights, often protecting the interests of the minority from the majority rule.

Democracy:

  • Rule by majority: The chief characteristic of a democracy is the rule by majority, meaning that the people meet and exercise government in person, which can be done in a small territorial area. In a democracy, the individual and any group of individuals composing any minority have no protection against the unlimited power of the majority.
  • Direct or representative: Democracies can be direct (where people directly vote on issues) or representative (where people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf).

Republic:

  • Representative form of government: A republic is a representative form of government that is ruled according to a charter or constitution.
  • Protection of individual rights: The purpose of a republic is to control the majority and protect the rights of the minority. Representatives are chosen to exercise government, which can be done over a wider territory.
  • Constitutional limitations: A republic has a constitution or charter that limits the power of the government, often to protect the individual's rights against the desires of the majority.

Most modern nations, including the United States, are democratic republics with a constitution that can be amended by a popularly elected government. In a democratic republic, citizens are represented by elected officials who are sworn to protect their interests, and laws are made by representatives chosen by the people and must comply with a constitution that protects individual rights.

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  • What is the Difference Between Democracy and Republic?
  • Comparative Table: Democracy vs Republic

    • Comparative Table: Democracy vs Republic

    The main differences between a democracy and a republic can be summarized in the following table:

    Feature Democracy Republic
    Definition A system of government where the majority rules. A system of government where elected leaders govern.
    Head of State Not necessarily required to be non-hereditary. Requires a non-hereditary head of state.
    Law-making Laws are decided by the majority. Citizens vote to elect representatives who decide the law.
    Constitution Constitution may or may not exist for protection of rights. A constitution or charter of rights protects inalienable rights that cannot be taken away.
    Representation Direct voting on laws and policies by the people. Representatives are elected to make decisions on behalf of the people.

    Both democracy and republic are forms of government that involve the people in their governance, but they differ in the extent to which the people control the law-making process and how they participate in their own governance. Most modern nations, including the United States, are democratic republics, which combine the principles of both systems.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.