republicanism

Republicanism is a political philosophy and tradition that centers on sovereignty residing in the people, the importance of public virtue, and the restraint of power through law and institutions rather than hereditary rule or unchecked despotism. A defining feature is the idea of liberty as non-domination: freedom from arbitrary power in addition to active civic participation and accountability of rulers.

Historically, republicanism has roots in ancient Rome and Greek city-states, which prized citizen involvement, mixed government, and resistance to tyranny. The idea was revived in the Renaissance and developed in early modern Europe by writers such as Machiavelli, who argued that balanced institutions and virtuous citizens protect liberty. In the 17th–18th centuries, republican arguments helped shape tensions between monarchy and parliament, influencing constitutional design in Britain and the American colonies.

Core ideas include the preference for mixed or balanced government, the obligation of citizens to participate in public life, and checks on rulers to prevent domination and corruption. The rule of law and accountable institutions are central, as is the belief that political virtue is essential to maintaining liberty and the common good.

In contemporary political theory, republicanism is often distinguished from liberalism by its emphasis on anti-domination and active citizenry, though many thinkers combine elements of both. Modern variants include the non-domination approach associated with Philip Pettit and the more traditional civic virtue models. Republicanism continues to influence debates over constitutional design, political participation, campaign finance, and measures to curb concentrated power.