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Republics

Republics are political systems in which sovereignty rests with the people and their elected representatives, not with a monarch. The term derives from res publica, Latin for the public thing. In modern usage, a republic is a state that operates under a constitution and the rule of law, with political authority exercised through elected institutions rather than hereditary rule or autocratic decree.

Key features include representative institutions, regular elections, separation of powers, and accountability. The constitution or charter

Republics differ in how executive power is organized. A parliamentary republic typically has a largely ceremonial

Historical roots go back to ancient city-states, but the modern republic emerged in the Enlightenment as a

Benefits cited for republics include accountability, representation, and rule of law. Criticisms focus on risks of

typically
limits
government
power
and
protects
basic
rights
such
as
expression,
assembly,
and
due
process.
The
precise
balance
of
powers
and
the
method
of
selecting
leaders
vary
between
states.
head
of
state
and
a
prime
minister
who
leads
the
government.
A
presidential
republic
features
a
president
who
is
both
head
of
state
and
head
of
government,
with
separate
elections.
Semi-presidential
systems
combine
a
president
with
a
prime
minister
who
shares
authority.
Examples
include
the
United
States
(presidential),
Germany
(parliamentary),
France
(semi-presidential),
and
India
or
Italy
(parliamentary).
system
of
government
based
on
consent,
constitutional
limits,
and
civic
rights.
The
term
does
not
imply
liberal
democracy
by
itself;
stable
republics
require
robust
institutions
and
an
informed
citizenry.
factionalism,
majoritarian
overreach,
corruption,
and
the
influence
of
money
in
politics.
A
republic's
success
depends
on
institutions,
culture,
and
ongoing
constitutional
safeguards.