A Republic, by definition, has two principle elements,
First, it is controlled by Law, therefore it does not control Law.
Second, it recognizes the private independent sovereign nature of each person (man or woman) of competent age and capacity, therefore a Republic must be representative in its nature.
A Republic recognizes Law is unchangeable, or at least that it can only be changed by a higher source than government. In a Republic the concept of collective sovereignty cannot exist, except with recognition that the State or nation, as a body of sovereigns, can speak through one elected voice; though that one voice can never lawfully interfere with the private rights of the individual sovereigns.
A Constitutional Republic is a government created and controlled, at least, by the Law of a Constitution. The Constitution of the United States of America was, in Law, foundationally based on the Bible, the Magna Carta, and The Declaration of Independence. Those documents recognize mans sovereignty, the divine nature of mans creation and mans divine right to Life, Liberty, Property, and the pursuit of happiness.
Republic
Definitions of Constitutional republic on the Web:
A constitutional republic is a state where the head of state and other officials are elected as representatives of the people, and must govern according to existing constitutional law that limits the government's power over citizens.
define:Constitutional republic - Google Search
Constitutional Republic
Constitutional Republic - Conservapedia
An Important Distinction: Democracy versus Republic
An Important Distinction: Democracy versus Republic