The United States Constitution mandates that every state must have a republican form of government, which Texas abides by . What is the best way to understand the meaning of the word "republican" in the way it is used here?
a. government made up of people elected to make decisions on behalf of the public
b. structures and institutions that favor Republicans over Democrats in elections
c. limited government through a separation of powers and checks and balances
d. majority rule through direct action of the people