The key difference between a 

democracy and a republic lies in the limits placed on government by the

law, which has implications for minority rights. Both forms of government tend to use a representational
system — i.e., citizens vote to elect politicians to represent their interests and form the government. In
a republic, a constitution or charter of rights protects certain inalienable rights that cannot be taken
away by the government, even if it has been elected by a majority of voters. In a "pure democracy," the
majority is not restrained in this way and can impose its will on the minority.

Most modern nations—including the United States—are democratic republics with a constitution, which

can be amended by a popularly elected government. This comparison therefore contrasts the form of
government in most countries today with a theoretical construct of a "pure democracy", mainly to
highlight the features of a republic.

Comparison chart

Differences — Similarities —

Democracy versus Republic comparison chart

Democracy Republic

Philosophy In a democracy, the community of people are
considered to hold power over how they are
governed. Kings and tyrants are seen as
threats to the innate rights of the people. As
such, all eligible citizens get equal say in
decisions.
Republics are in opposition to rulership by
a single person. All eligible citizens get
equal say in decisions through elected
representatives. Unalienable rights of
individuals are protected by law to
safeguard against a majority abusing the
minority

Definition Rule by majority. In a democracy, an A republic is similar to a representative

individual, and any group of individuals democracy except it has a written
composing any minority, have no protection constitution of basic rights that protect the
against the power of the majority. In minority from being completely
variations, people may also elect unrepresented or abused by the majority.
representatives.

Political Democratic. [Note: this is not meant as a Republican. [Note: this is not meant as a
System reference to a Democratic Party.] reference to a Republican Party.]

Social Democracies are meant to resist separation
Structure by class, politically or economically. Class
distinctions can become pronounced,
however, due to capitalist society. Varies
from state to state.
Republics are meant to resist separations
by class, politically or economically. Class
distinctions can become pronounced,
however, due to capitalist society. Varies
from state to state.
Democracy versus Republic comparison chart
Democracy
Economic Democracies tend to be free-market
System economies. Policies that govern economics
are chosen by the voters (or their elected
representatives in a representative
democracy). Usually capitalist or Keynesian.
Religion Generally, freedom of religion is permitted,
although a majority faction may limit
religious freedom for a minority faction.
Free Choice Individuals may make decisions for
themselves except insofar as a majority
faction has limited individuals.
Key Elements Free elections. Suffrage. Majority Rule.
Private Generally, private property is permitted,
Property although a majority faction may place limits
on property rights.
Discrimination In theory, all citizens have an equal say and
so are treated equally. However, often allows
for the tyranny of the majority over the
minority.
Modern More than half of the world, including the
Examples US, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, New
Zealand, Japan, etc. The United Kingdom is
an example of a democratic country that is
not a republic, since it has a monarch.
Republic
Republics are almost always free-market
economies. Policies that govern economics
are voted on by the people's
representatives. Usually capitalist or
Keynesian.
Generally, freedom of religion is
permitted, especially insofar as there is a
constitutional prohibition on interfering
with freedom of religion.
Individuals may make decisions for
themselves, especially insofar as there is a
constitutional prohibition on interfering
with freedom of choice.
Free elections. Constitution. Suffrage.
Individual rights.
Generally, private property is permitted,
especially insofar as there is a
constitutional prohibition on interfering
with property rights.
In theory, all citizens have an equal say
and so are treated equally by the
government, especially insofar as there is
a constitutional prohibition on
government discrimination.
The United States of America is a
constitutional democratic republic.
Democracy versus Republic comparison chart

Democracy Republic

Variations Direct democracy, parliamentary democracy, Democratic republics, Constitutional

representative democracy, presidential republics.
democracy.

Constraints No; the majority can impose its will on the Yes; the majority cannot take away certain
on the minority. inalienable rights.
government

Way of Voting. Voting.

Change

Famous Ancient Athens (Greece), Switzerland (13th Rome, France, United States Of America,
Examples century) Ireland, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Italy

Sovereignty is the whole population (as a group) the people (individuals)

held by

Common People commonly confuse The US is actually a democratic republic. It

confusion in direct democracy with representative is governed by rule of law. The elected are
the USA democracy. The US officially has a bound by oath to the written governing
representative style, though many have limits (i.e. constitution) yet vote
suggested the US is closer to an oligarchy or "together" and create laws to address
plutocracy. concerns of the represented in a
democratic way.

Observation People commonly confuse direct democracy
in practice with representative democracy. The US has a
representative style. But the will of the
people shouldn't easily decide to change the
rules that limit power to the government.
The U.S.A.'s Constitution defines the U.S.
as a Republic, Article 4, Section 4 of the
U.S. Constitution. America's founders were
wary of aristocracy and monarchy, and
preferred a democratic republic.

History Originated and evolved in ancient Athens
during the 5th century. Numerous important
reforms were made by the leader Solon and
then Cleisthenes. Greek democracy was
ended in 322BC by Macedon.
Originated in Rome in 509BC (to 27BC),
after a period of oppressive kings. Copying
a bit from the Greek leader, Solon, Rome's
leaders created laws ("The Twelve Tables")
and a republican system with a Senate,
Democracy versus Republic comparison chart

Democracy Republic

Consul, and courts.