Which statement best describes the difference between a direct democracy and a republic?

Which statement best describes the difference between a direct democracy and a republic?

• A. A direct democracy delegates most decisions to elected representatives.
• B. A republic is a system where citizens vote directly on all laws.
• C. A direct democracy allows citizens to vote on laws directly; a republic uses elected representatives to make decisions.
• D. A republic is ruled by a king.

Answer: (C)

In a direct democracy, citizens vote on laws themselves rather than electing people to make those decisions for them. In a republic, citizens elect representatives who make laws and govern on their behalf, usually within a framework of laws that protect rights. This statement clearly captures that difference: direct democracy involves direct voting on laws by the people, while a republic relies on elected representatives to decide. Other descriptions don’t fit because delegating most decisions to elected representatives describes a republic, not a direct democracy; claiming a republic has citizens voting directly on all laws is the reverse of how a republic operates; and saying a republic is ruled by a king describes a monarchy, not a republic.

In a direct democracy, citizens vote on laws themselves rather than electing people to make those decisions for them. In a republic, citizens elect representatives who make laws and govern on their behalf, usually within a framework of laws that protect rights.

This statement clearly captures that difference: direct democracy involves direct voting on laws by the people, while a republic relies on elected representatives to decide.

Other descriptions don’t fit because delegating most decisions to elected representatives describes a republic, not a direct democracy; claiming a republic has citizens voting directly on all laws is the reverse of how a republic operates; and saying a republic is ruled by a king describes a monarchy, not a republic.