Final answer:
In a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to make laws on their behalf, while in a direct democracy, citizens directly vote on all proposed laws. The United States operates as a representative democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to make laws on their behalf, while in a direct democracy, citizens directly vote on all proposed laws. The United States operates as a representative democracy, where citizens vote for members of Congress, the president, and other government officials to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. This system allows for the majority rule, where the opinions of the majority have more influence in government decisions.