Republican

Republic

A republic, based on the Latin phrase res publica, is a state in which political power rests with the public (people), typically through their representatives—in contrast to an absolute monarchy or a direct democracy. Although a republic is most often a single sovereign state, subnational state entities that have governments that are republican in nature may be referred to as republics.

Republicanism

Republicanism is a political ideology that promotes the republican system of government, in which sovereignty resides in the people and their elected representatives, as opposed to hereditary monarchy or other forms of absolute personal power. It is founded on several key principles, including civic virtue, active political participation, civic education, the fight against corruption (anti-corruption), a preference for a balanced and mixed constitution, government limited by constitutional laws, freedom as non-domination, and a commitment to the rule of law and the common good. Historically, it emphasizes the idea of self-governance and ranges from the rule of a representative minority or aristocracy to popular sovereignty. It has had different definitions and interpretations which vary significantly based on historical context and methodological approach. In countries ruled by a monarch or similar ruler, or with a monarch whose role is primarily ceremonial such as the United Kingdom, "republicanism" is simply the wish to replace the hereditary monarchy by some form of elected republic.

Republican

Adjective

1. Of or pertaining to the Republican Party of the United States.
2. Of or pertaining to the Republic of China's tenure on the Chinese mainland (1912-1949).

Noun

1. A member or supporter of the Republican Party, the more right-wing of the two main political parties in the United States.
2. An Irish nationalist; a proponent of a united Ireland, particularly one who supports armed struggle to achieve this.