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Republic Vs Democracy: Key Difference

Kate Broome
on
March 6, 2018
 13 Comments đŸ”„!

The key difference between a Republic versus Democracy is the protection of certain inalienable rights granted in a republic, such as the right to bear arms in the United States. This inalienable right cannot be taken away by elected officials, whereas in a true democracy the elected party and government is not restricted by any inalienable rights.

The terms republic and democracy are often times thrown around and used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. While the two terms can mean something similar, there is a distinction between them. To learn all about the differences between a republic vs. democracy check out this guide.

Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country. – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Republic Vs Democracy: Definitions

Image source: Pixabay

Before we delve into the similarities and the differences between republics versus democracies we need to define what each actually is.

Democracy

The definition of democracy (as defined by Dictionary.com, found here) is:

government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system

So what does that mean in broader terms? In a democracy, people get to choose who they put in the government but the majority is who makes the rules and the minority have absolutely no say. This is oftentimes referred to as “the people’s system.”

Republic

The definition of a republic (as defined by Dictionary.com, found here) is:

a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them

In broader terms, a democracy is a style of government where a head of state is elected (with term limits) and representatives are elected. In this type of government, the majority still determines the rules, but the minority still has a say.

Differences between a Democracy and a Republic

While they may seem very similar, democracies and republics are very different beasts. Let’s look at them:

 Differences Democracy Republic
Who is in charge? The majority, the minority has no say Majority, but the minority has a say
Who rules the government? Majority The majority as well as the constitution
Important elements Called the “people’s system”, has free elections where people decide who to put into office. Also, have “free elections” where everyone can vote. The people still vote and have elections, but the minority is protected by rules so they still have a say. A head of state is also elected.
Philosophy Everyone has a say and can vote, then majority rule in congress then enforces what they ran on. Eligible people get a vote but are always protected by a constitution or laws, so the majority cannot impose laws that affect the country

 

Similarities Democracy Republic
How to change laws and rules? Voting Voting
Social class structure Determined by a capitalist society that varies by state. Determined by a capitalist society that varies by state.
Economy system Typically is a capitalist society Typically is a capitalist society

Pros and Cons

Image source: Pixabay

Each of these systems has a few pros and cons associated with them.Let’s go over them:

Republic pros and cons

Democracy pros and cons

“Democracy is a government ‘of, by, and for the people.'” — Abraham Lincoln

Countries That Are Republics Or Democracies:

Now let’s take a look at different countries that are either Republics or Democracies:

Republic Countries (in alphabetical order)

Democratic countries (in alphabetical order):

Is The United States a Democracy or a Republic?

The United States does not fit neatly into either category. It actually has elements of both republics and democracies, making it a Democratic Republic.

View Comments

  • If you are so unhappy here, why not leave? I love that I was born in America. No silver spoon, just a chance to live better. I do not believe that not any of our citizens migrated here because they were well fed, happy and rich in there homeland. We took them in and many became very successful. Why do you want to deprive others of this opportunity as long as they are here legally
    ? LIVE FREE OR DIE.

  • This information is inaccurate. There is only one true republic in the world. It is the most important and successful in history. You decide. God bless the UNITED STATES

  • Love it! I was looking for the differences and now I have them. Thanks to whoever wrote this page!

  • Greece isn't a republic but a democracy.Wikipedia in English says that it's a republic but in Greek says that it's a democracy.
    Greece (Greek: ΕλλΏΎα,  EllĂĄda Greek pronunciation: [eˈlaĂ°a]), officially the Hellenic Republic (Greek: *ΕλληΜÎčÎșÎź Î”Î·ÎŒÎżÎșÏÎ±Ï„ÎŻÎ±* , *EllinikĂ­ DimokratĂ­a* Greek pronunciation: [eliniˈci Ă°imokraˈti.a]),

  • United Kingdom is not a Republic. A Republic the power is derived from the People (Citizens). Other types of State is where the power is derived from others, (not the People) . i.e Crown, Party, etc.
    United Kingdom is an Monarchy.

  • Under differences you have the titles reversed. A Republic has a constitution. The USA in not a mob rule democracy sweetheart. We are a Constitutional Democratic Republic. Quite different dear. You must do some research before writing something like this. I am afraid I agree with the lady that prays you are not educating others.

  • The US was designed and set by its Founding Fathers as a republic. The article also forget the Philippines has been a Republic all throughout its existence from the first national government, the second government after being a commonwealth, the third republic during the 70s and the fourth republic after 1986. I also think your table 1 got mixed up. I live in a republic and I have growing up sworn to uphold the constitution and the laws of land as the determinant of final direction as such the Supreme Court has the final say in direction of particularly controversial policies.

  • I believe that the labels of Republic and Democracy under differences have been reversed. The article also states the opposite of what is listed in the differences chart.

  • The United States of America is a Republic utilizing some democratic principles. Please tell me you are not a college professor or high school civics teaher.

      • Sorta get to choose..... The Electoral College isn't a "real" choosing. You need "One Person, One Vote" to accomplish that correctly....

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