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Republican Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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Republican

[rษชหˆpสŒblษชkษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

political party

A member or supporter of the Republican Party, which is one of the two major political parties in the United States. The party is often associated with conservative views and policies.

Synonyms

GOP supporter, conservative.

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Word Description / Examples
Republican

Use this term when referring to a member of the United States Republican Party. It is a standard, formal term.

  • She is a dedicated Republican and has been involved in local politics for years.
  • The Republican candidate won the election by a narrow margin.
GOP supporter

This phrase specifically refers to someone who supports the GOP (Grand Old Party), another name for the Republican Party. It is a less formal term.

  • As a GOP supporter, she attended the rally to show her support for the candidates.
  • The magazine interviewed several GOP supporters about their views on the upcoming election.
conservative

This term refers to someone with conservative political views, typically favoring traditional values and being cautious about change. It can refer to people outside the Republican Party who hold such views as well.

  • He holds conservative views on economic policies.
  • Conservative thinkers often emphasize the importance of family values and small government.

Examples of usage

  • He has been a Republican all his life.
  • She identifies as a Republican and always votes for the party's candidates.
  • The Republican Party was founded in the 1850s.
  • Many Republicans advocate for lower taxes and limited government intervention.
  • The Republican National Convention is held every four years to nominate the party's presidential candidate.
Context #2 | Noun

history

In history, a member of the Republican Party founded by Thomas Jefferson in the early 1790s. The party was a precursor to the modern Republican Party and advocated for strong state governments, a strict interpretation of the Constitution, and an agrarian society.

Synonyms

Jeffersonian Republican, early Republican.

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Word Description / Examples
Republican

When referred to in general, it can mean someone who supports a republic as a form of government, and not necessarily connected to the political party. Use this term when discussing general political philosophies.

  • As a republican, she believed in electing representatives to make governing decisions.
  • Republicans in various countries advocate for governance without monarchy.
Jeffersonian Republican

This term refers to a member or supporter of the Democratic-Republican Party founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in the early 1790s. It is used in historical contexts relating to the early political history of the United States.

  • Jeffersonian Republicans advocated for a limited central government and stronger state governments.
  • The policies of the Jeffersonian Republicans were designed to support agrarian interests.
early Republican

This term refers to a member or supporter of the Republican Party during its early formation in the mid-19th century. It is often used in historical discussions.

  • Early Republicans were strongly opposed to the expansion of slavery.
  • The early Republican movement gained momentum during the 1850s.

Examples of usage

  • Thomas Jefferson was a key figure in the early Republican Party.
  • The early Republicans believed in limiting the federal government's power.
  • The Republican Party of Jefferson's time was different from the modern party.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'Republican' originated in the early 19th century to describe members of the Democratic-Republican Party founded by Thomas Jefferson.
  • The modern Republican Party was established in 1854, originally as an anti-slavery party, promoting strong individual rights.
  • Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president, elected in 1860, marking a significant shift in American politics.

Political Philosophy

  • The Republican Party traditionally supports free-market economics, advocating for lower taxes and reducing government spending.
  • It emphasizes individual liberties, personal responsibility, and a strong national defense.
  • The party often aligns itself with conservative social values, influencing debates on issues like marriage and education.

Pop Culture

  • Various movies and TV shows explore the ideologies and cultural impact of the Republican Party in American society.
  • The party has produced many notable figures who have become symbols of American conservatism, like Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush.
  • Satirical shows like 'Saturday Night Live' frequently portray Republican figures, contributing to public perception and political discourse.

Global Influence

  • The Republican Partyโ€™s policies often influence U.S. foreign relations, affecting global politics and perceptions of American leadership.
  • Internationally, conservative parties in other countries often look to the Republican Partyโ€™s platforms as models for their own politics.
  • Issues like trade and immigration are central to Republican policies, impacting global trade relationships and migration patterns.

Contemporary Issues

  • Current debates within the party focus on topics like healthcare reform, gun rights, and immigration policy.
  • The rise of the Tea Party influenced a significant shift towards more hardline conservative positions in recent years.
  • Populism has emerged as a key trend within the party, reshaping its strategies and voter base leading up to elections.

Origin of 'Republican'

The term 'Republican' has its origins in the Latin word 'respublica,' meaning 'public affair' or 'commonwealth.' It was first used in the United States in the late 18th century to refer to supporters of the republicanism ideology. The Republican Party as we know it today was founded in the 1850s as an anti-slavery party. Over the years, the party has evolved and is now associated with conservatism and center-right policies. The Republican Party's symbol is the elephant, and its color is traditionally red. The party has had a significant impact on American politics, producing many presidents and shaping national policies.

See also: republic.