republican

Republican is a term with multiple uses in political discourse. It can describe a person who supports a republic as the form of government, or a member of a political party named Republican. The adjective republican denotes advocacy of republicanism, a system in which the supreme power is held by elected representatives rather than a hereditary or autocratic ruler. The term is used in many countries, and the platforms of parties calling themselves Republican vary by context.

In the United States, the Republican Party is one of the two major political parties. It was founded in the 1850s by anti-slavery activists and former Free Soil and Whig members. Its original primary stance was opposition to the expansion of slavery into new territories. Over time, the party adopted different economic and social policies, including periods of business-friendly and pro-modernization platforms, a commitment to national defense, and a belief in limited government. Prominent figures include Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, and others. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the party has encompassed a range of factions from fiscal conservatives to populist and libertarian wings. Contemporary debates often center on taxation and regulation, healthcare, immigration, climate policy, and the balance of federal and state authority.

Beyond the United States, several other countries have or have had political parties that use the name Republican or Republican Party. The specific ideologies of these parties vary, reflecting local histories and constitutional arrangements. In political theory, republicanism describes governance based on elected representation and accountability, rather than monarchy or autocratic rule.