The United States of America is a representative democracy, or a republic. What does this mean?

  1. The United States of America is a representative democracy, or a republic. What does this mean?
  2. Keeping your answer to #1 in mind, why do you think the Founding Fathers intended for the Legislative Branch to be the most powerful?
  3. Should you as a voter be able to do anything if your representative does not represent you?
  4. What effect do you think the development of political parties has had on this system?