What form of non-monarchical government is defined by a constitution that limits the power of the state and protects individual rights?

Constitutional Republic

A constitutional republic differs from a pure democracy because it uses a foundational document to protect minority rights from being overridden by the majority. This system ensures that even elected leaders must follow established laws, preventing what is often called a 'tyranny of the majority.' A key distinction is that while officials are elected, their power is strictly bound by the constitution rather than public whim.