Republics and democracies both provide a political system in which citizens are represented by elected officials who are sworn to protect their interests.
In a pure democracy, laws are made directly by the voting majority leaving the rights of the minority largely unprotected.
In a republic, laws are made by representatives chosen the people and must comply with a constitution that specifically protects the rights of the minority from the will of the majority.
The United States, while basically a republic, is best described as a “representative democracy.”
Electoral votes are awarded on the basis of the popular vote in each state. Note that 48 out of the 50 States award Electoral votes on a winner-takes-all basis (as does the District of Columbia).
