At a glance
Republicanism treats political authority as a public matter rather than hereditary personal rule. Civic republican thought also emphasizes freedom from arbitrary domination.
Core principles
- Public accountability; civic participation; rule of law; common institutions; opposition to hereditary sovereignty; constraints on arbitrary power.
Origins & development
It draws on ancient republican experience and later constitutional struggles, including early modern political thought and movements opposing dynastic government.
Economic outlook
Republicans can support capitalist, socialist or mixed economies. Civic republican approaches ask whether economic dependence enables domination, but prescribe no universal ownership model.
Society & government
Constitutional checks and citizen participation are common ideals. A state calling itself a republic can nevertheless be authoritarian; abolition of monarchy alone does not ensure democracy.
Variations & related traditions
Anti-monarchist republicanism and civic theories of non-domination overlap but are distinct. The ideology should not be confused with any particular party bearing the name Republican.
Debates & criticisms
Debates concern civic duty, individual liberty and who qualifies as a citizen. Historical republics often excluded large populations, requiring scrutiny of their actual distribution of political rights.