Italian states like venice and florence were officially republics. in what sense were they republics in name only

The states of Venice, Milan and Florence, although officially independent republics, were only so in name, rather than in fact, because although they possesed the characteristics of a republic: a constitution, limitation of power in the hands of one person, and popular vote, the truth was that these characteristics appeared only on paper, and not in truth.

Explanation:

During the Renaissance period, at the beginning of the 15th century, several of the city-states in the Italian Peninsula formed as independent entities, rather than as one bigger nation. Their power came from their merchant families, like the Medici in Florence, and from their power in commerce, banking, and other such activities. Although these states were considered republics because they were not governed by a single ruler, had a constitution, and the people had a right to vote, the truth was that these characteristics, especially the last two, only applied to titled, wealthy and educated people; not to the commoners. Thus, in reality, Florence, Milan and Venice were republics in word, but not in fact.