Republiky

Republiky are a category of states in which the supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives rather than a monarch. The term is derived from Latin res publica, “the public thing” or “the people’s affairs.” In most republics government authority operates within a constitution that limits powers, protects basic rights, and establishes the rule of law.

Core features commonly associated with republics include regular elections, accountability for leaders, and a separation of powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The head of state in a republic is usually not a hereditary ruler; the head of government, such as a president, prime minister, or equivalent figure, has powers defined by the constitution and often differs from the head of state.

Types of republics vary by how powers are distributed. Parliamentary republics typically have a largely ceremonial president and a prime minister as head of government, with the legislature forming the government (examples: Germany, Italy, India). Presidential republics grant the president substantial executive authority, separately elected from the legislature (examples: United States, Brazil). Semi-presidential republics combine elements of both, with a president and a prime minister sharing executive duties (examples: France, Portugal). Some republics are federal, distributing power to regional units, while others are unitary states.

Historically, republics arose in ancient civilizations and were revived in the modern era through Enlightenment thought and revolutionary movements. The 18th through 20th centuries saw a broad expansion of republican constitutions, often replacing monarchies or transforming them into constitutional arrangements. Today, republics are prevalent worldwide, spanning diverse constitutional designs and regional contexts.