Here's the definition, it might help: a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them.
"Separate but equal" meaning the from being one body, it will be divided because of its issues and damaging effects towards decision making and susceptibility to abuse of power however. They are said to be equal, nevertheless, which assert that even though they are now a separate body, they both acquire and hold the same power
