What form of government is guaranteed to each state by the Federal Constitution?

The Federal Constitution guarantees each state a "Republican Form of Government" under Article IV, Section 4. This means that each state must have a system of government in which representatives are elected by the people to make decisions on their behalf, rather than being ruled by a monarch or a small group of elites. A republic emphasizes the importance of elected officials, accountability, and the rule of law, ensuring that the government derives its power from the consent of the governed. This foundation is essential to maintaining democratic principles while safeguarding against tyranny and providing a framework for citizen participation in the political process. The other forms listed, such as monarchy (a system controlled by a king or queen) and oligarchy (rule by a small group of individuals), do not align with the republican principles that the Constitution mandates for state governments.