How is a republic defined in terms of governance?

A republic is defined as a form of government in which representatives are elected by the citizenry to represent their interests. This means that the power ultimately rests with the people, who exercise their authority through the election of officials. In a republic, the elected representatives are tasked with making decisions and enacting laws that reflect the will and needs of their constituents, ensuring that the government is accountable to the citizens.

This system contrasts sharply with governance types where power is centralized in the hands of a monarch or a single dictator, which does not provide the same level of public participation or representation. Additionally, while laws can sometimes be created by popular vote in other forms of governance, such as through direct democracy, this is not a defining characteristic of a republic. In essence, the hallmark of a republic is its reliance on elected representatives rather than direct decision-making by the public or concentration of power in a singular authority.