Those two things are not exclusive (you can have both, any of them, or none). A republic means the laws are applicable to all citizens ; it defines a juridic o

Those two things are not exclusive (you can have both, any of them, or none). A republic means the laws are applicable to all citizens ; it defines a juridic order. A democracy means that the sovereignty is in the people ; it defines a way of taking collective decisions. I agree that even in France where I live, and which defines itself as a democracy (under its 5th republic), the democratic principles are not followed to the letter. It does not mean however that voting is useless, on the contrary, it is one of many ways to contribute to the political life and participate in making a better system.