They are maleducated with disinformation. Check some of the prominent online dictionaries.
The word “democracy” was hijacked many years ago so that the U.S. can fit into the definition of a democracy.
Compare them:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/democracy
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/republic
They are classified practically the same way.
RATS have hijacked many words over the years, and turned them into meaning something entirely different than what its original meaning was. They change words, and rules to suit an immediate need. Then get their panties in a twist if that same rule comes back to bite them in the rear end. And they want it changed again. They've done the same thing with the Constitution. And Repukes have sat on their hands and allowed it to happen over and over.