The Roman Republic was a semi democratic society. This is because the Senate's (magestries) ruled the military and treasury . While the male citizens and free slaves had the last words on repealing or adding a law and who goes into office. In conclusion , it was semi democratic because the Senate's made some decisions without the people but the people still voted on who was in office and repealing or adding a new law. Making it 50% democracy 50% not a democracy.
An example would be the Senate introduces new laws, controls the treasury and also handles all crimes requiring investigation. They also had the power to send diplomats to a foreign country to declare war or make peace. So nearly all business with Rome was managed