U.S. Citizenship Civics TestPrinciples of American DemocracyHard
A civics student is comparing the U.S. system of government with other systems. They note that the U.S. Constitution creates a system where citizens elect representatives to make policy decisions and govern on their behalf. What type of government is this?
- AMonarchy
- BRepublic (Representative Democracy)
- CDirect Democracy
- DOligarchy
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Republic (Representative Democracy)
A republic, also known as a representative democracy, is a system where citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf and make decisions for the public good, rather than making all decisions themselves (direct democracy).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A monarchy is ruled by a single sovereign, typically hereditary, which is not the U.S. system.
- C. In a direct democracy, citizens vote on all issues directly, which is not the U.S. system.
- D. An oligarchy is a government ruled by a small group of people, not by elected representatives of the populace.
Republic / Representative Democracy
A form of government in which power is held by the people and their elected representatives, rather than directly by the people themselves.
- Citizens elect officials to represent their interests.
- Decisions are made by elected representatives.
- Prevents 'tyranny of the majority' often associated with direct democracy.
Memory trick: Republic: Representatives are public's choice.