Difference between democratic government and republican government?

You are asking a familiar question in a new and intriguing manner. One that can lead to a better explanation. Usually we hear people say that "The United States of America (for example) is a republic and not a democracy."

You ask; what is the difference?

The Word "republican" applies to the character of the nation state. A monarchy, for example, is not a republic. Saudi Arabia is a Monarchy. Russia is a republic. The government of a monarchy is vested in the King. The King is empowered by God. The government of a republic can take many forms such as elected representative democracy or single party communist state. But a republic draws it's authority from the people.

Democracy is having the character of the people. A republic that is based on democratic principles draws it's authority from the people. A republic can be democratic or dictatorial. North Korea is a republic. It's full name is "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea." Even dictators thrive to be seen as democratic, even when they are not.

The "Islamic Republic of Iran" has dozens of supposedly democratic institutions and elections. Fundamentally though those choices are limited to the people by the theocratic nature of the government. Iran is actually a Theocracy where a state religion rules.

It may be important to realize that this issue is not a question in other countries that either are well schooled in Government in general and/or do not have two major political parties named Republicans and Democrats.