Final answer:
A republic, or representative democracy, is a form of government where citizens choose representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. The United States is an example of a republic.
Step-by-step explanation:
A republic, or representative democracy, is a form of government in which citizens choose representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. This system allows the citizens to participate in the political process through elections, but the actual decision-making power lies with the elected representatives. The United States is an example of a republic, where citizens elect representatives at various levels of government, such as Congress, state legislatures, and local councils.