Which of the following describes the type of government the United States operates under?

The United States operates under a constitutional republic, which combines elements of both a republic and a democracy. In this system, representatives are elected to make decisions on behalf of the people, and these representatives are bound by a constitution that protects individual rights and limits government power. This framework ensures that while the government is accountable to the citizens through their elected officials, it also upholds the rule of law and several fundamental rights that are enshrined in the Constitution.

The constitutional aspect signifies that the government's authority is constrained by a written constitution that outlines the structure of government, the separation of powers, and the rights of individuals. This is a key characteristic that differentiates it from other forms of government, such as a pure democracy where majority rule could potentially infringe on minority rights.

In contrast, other types of government listed—such as a constitutional monarchy, which involves a royal figure within a parliamentary system, or a socialistic state, which typically involves government control of resources and major industries—do not accurately describe the U.S. system.