Answer:
To understand the reason the United States is both a republic and a democracy let us first define the terms and then see if the United States fits in.
A republic is a form of government that is governed by the citizens. It is not led by a monarch or an aristocrat or a despot. It is "the government of the people and for the people." It is not an outsider-imposed form of government.
Similarly, a democracy is a system of government by the whole citizens who elect some persons to represent them in the government. It is also "the government of the people, by the people, and for the people," according to popular definition.
Therefore, the United States fits the definition of a republic and a democracy. It is actually a federal democratic republic where Congress exercises supreme authority on behalf of all US citizens. Congressmen and women are elected periodically by the citizens.
The above definitions show the dependence of a democracy on the republican form of government. This implies that a republic is supposed to be a democracy. But if it is not, a democracy must be at least a republic, otherwise, it is not a democracy.
Explanation:
If the citizens have the supreme power and delegate authority to elected representatives, who make decisions on their behalf, then it is a republic.