Final answer:
The United States is a democratic republic where citizens elect representatives to make policy decisions on their behalf.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States is more properly considered a democratic republic rather than a true democracy. In a true democracy, all citizens would vote on all proposed legislation, while in a democratic republic, citizens elect representatives to make policy decisions on their behalf. This system allows for a more efficient decision-making process and ensures that the rights of the minority are protected against the tyranny of the majority.