Republic: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'republic' when referring to a state where the supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.

• France is a republic.
• Many countries in Europe transitioned to republics after World War II.

Use 'democracy' to describe a system of government where the citizens exercise power by voting. It emphasizes political equality and the right of the citizens to participate directly or through representatives.

• Switzerland is known for its direct democracy.
• In a democracy, the people have the power to choose their leaders through free and fair elections.

Use 'representative government' when referring to a system of government where citizens elect representatives to create laws and policies on their behalf. This term highlights the role of elected officials in the legislative process.

• Canada operates under a representative government.
• Representative government allows citizens to have a say in lawmaking through their elected officials.

Use 'constitutional government' when describing a government that operates under a constitution, which provides the legal framework defining the structure, functions, and limits of government authority.

• The United States is an example of a constitutional government.
• In a constitutional government, the powers of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches are clearly defined.

Use this term to describe a form of government where the country is considered a public matter with leaders elected by the people.

• France is a republic that embraced democratic values after its revolution.
• The United States operates as a federal republic.

This term is specifically used to refer to the period of Roman civilization when the government operated as a republic, from 509 BC to 27 BC.

• The Roman Republic saw the rise of influential figures like Cicero and Julius Caesar.
• During the Roman Republic, the Senate held significant power in governance.

This term can be used to refer to the government or political structure of Rome in a broader sense, without specifying a particular period.

• The Roman state faced numerous challenges from internal strife and external invasions.
• Throughout its history, the Roman state adapted to various forms of governance.

This term is used when referring to the period and culture of Rome from its founding in 753 BC until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in AD 476.

• Ancient Rome is famous for its contributions to architecture and law.
• Julius Caesar was one of the most notable figures in ancient Rome.