Democratic Government and Republican Government?

Question

What's the difference between a Democratic Government and a Republican Government? Is there any significant difference at all? How did the Italian city-states contribute to modern democracy? I am talking very late 14th for my second question.

Answer 1

In a truly democratic gov't all issues would be decided by a popular vote. In a republican government a ruling class votes on issues. There is a significant difference in that a ruling class may or may not have the best interest of the people.