What distinguishes a republic from a democracy and how do their governing structures differ?

A republic is a form of government where elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the people, while a democracy is a system where the people directly participate in decision-making. In a republic, power is delegated to elected officials who represent the interests of the citizens, whereas in a democracy, the citizens themselves have a more direct role in decision-making through voting on laws and policies. The governing structures of a republic typically involve a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful, while a democracy may have more direct participation through initiatives and referendums.