constitutional republic
Charter-governed representative state
A constitutional republic is a form of government in which elected representatives exercise power within limits set by a founding document—a constitution that protects certain rights and structures.
The United States is the most commonly cited example.
The term emphasizes that majority rule operates under legal constraints: In a constitutional republic, even popular legislation can be struck down if it violates the constitution.
Often invoked to distinguish representative democracy from direct democracy.
- voteFormal choice expression
- Bill of RightsInitial constitutional amendments guaranteeing freedoms
- democracyRule by the people
- representative governmentRule by elected officials
- freedom of speechProtected right to speak
United States · popular sovereignty · consent of the governed · rule of law · federalism · civic virtue · civic duty · enumerated powers · checks and balances · Switzerland · social contract · voting rights · ballot · electoral college · judicial branch · separation of powers · civil liberties · liberalism
constitutional republicabsolute monarchy
Unrestricted single-ruler government
autocracy · dictatorship · hereditary monarchy · tyranny · despotism
constitutional republicabsolute rule
Unrestricted governmental power
totalitarianism · rule by decree · martial law · emergency rule · failed state
constitutional, republic, constitution, constitutions, constitutionally, unconstitutional, constitutionalism, constitute, constituted