Final answer:
In an ideal republic, power is exercised through elected representatives who make laws and policy decisions on behalf of the citizens. Republics aim to protect minority rights against majority rule and maintain a balance among governmental branches. A well-educated citizenry and civic virtue are vital for its survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ideally, How Does a Republic Work?
Ideally, in a republic, the people exercise their power through elected representatives, a system that promises more practical and organized governance than pure democracy. This form of government is based on the concept of representation, where citizens choose leaders who will enact policies on their behalf. The United States serves as an example of a constitution-based federal republic that utilizes this representative structure at various government levels like local, state, and national. The principle of republicanism in America initially encompassed a bias towards the elite, with political rights primarily being bestowed upon property holders.
In a republic, the elected representatives are meant to promote the interests of those who vote for them, aiming to prevent the tyranny of the majority over minority rights. The safeguarding of these rights, and the balance of power among the executive, judicial, and legislative branches, are fundamental to republicanism. Additionally, civic virtue and an educated citizenry are considered crucial for the survival of a republic, as is the principle that governmental power originates from the people.
The term representative democracy is often used interchangeably with republic, highlighting the shared feature of citizen representation in governance. The Framers of the U.S. Constitution mandated a republican form of government for all states, reflecting their commitment to democracy led by elected representatives, known as republicanism's guarantee clause.