Look, republic or democracy is just a matter of practicality. We do democratically elect our representatives and they are to act within the laws. Clearly they did not understand the limitations of their scope. And the DNC especially, tried to break from the shackles of the electorate. Like a genie escaping the limitations of his lamp, politician thought they could buy the electorate and sell the government to the highest bidder both here and a broad.
This is what the election was about. A rejection of big money. A rejection of politicians who think their scope is beyond their constituency and the limitations of their office.
I believe they understand their limitations by design. But by compromising the enforcement authority, be it DOJ or SCOTUS, they can get away with it.