 Democracy – a system of government in which political authority is held by the people; every citizen has equal rights, people have a say in “what goes on” by voting.

“Democracy” comes from two different Greek words: demos which means ‘people’ and kratos which means "rule"

A government ruled by a king – or queen!

England is an example of a Monarchy

Used to be very similar to a democracy. Now, the definition of a republic government is “any government with a leader, such as a president or dictator other than a king.

Iraq was a

REPUBLIC

Saddam Hussein Former Iraqi President

Question: “So after learning that Iraq was a republic, what do you think about the republic form of government?” Is it horrible?

Hint: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America...

Did you guess?? AMERICA is a REPUBLIC!

But here is the difference…America is a DEMOCRATIC Republic. Hmmm…so let’s think about what we know…

A Republic is… A government with a sole official in leadership (other than a monarchy), whether he/she is elected or otherwise.

A government run by the people with an official in leadership!

That’s America! We have the right to vote (Democracy). We also have a leader-president—that we have elected into office (Republic).

A Republic government isn’t a negative thing. It can represent democracy.

Jalal Talabani, new Iraqi President