Republicanism

Introduction

Republicanism is a political ideology and system of government in which the sovereignty resides with the people or their elected representatives rather than with a monarch or an emperor. The term derives from the Latin phrase “res publica” that translates to “public thing” and finds its roots in the classical traditions of ancient Greece and Rome.^[1]

At its core, republicanism advocates for a government characterized by representative democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of individual rights. While republican governments vary in their structures, their common goal is the belief that the public good is best served when political authority is exercised for the benefit of all citizens, rather than a privileged few. Republicanism played a pivotal role in the formation of modern nation-states, such as the United States (1776) and the first French Republic (1792-1804). 

Conservatives are generally supportive of the representative democracy aspects of republicanism. However, some conservatives (particularly those in countries like the United Kingdom) are strong supporters of their local monarchy and don’t want their country turned into a republic.

Pro-republic Conservatives

Conservatives who support republicanism are generally supportive of it for the following reasons.

Equal Status

In republics, no positions of power are awarded due to immutable characteristics like your family. In monarchical societies, political power is inherited (as is the case in the UK). This is seen as unfair by pro-republic conservatives. That being said, pro-monarchical conservatives point to the fact that in most modern monarchical countries, the inherited positions of power are rather empty. That is, these positions don’t actually exercise/hold much power. Decisions of government are left to elected representatives.

Limited government

Conservatives advocate for limited government, emphasizing the need to restrain the powers of the state. They view a republic as a system that ensures the government remains limited and restrained in its scope and influence, allowing for individuals to pursue their own goals and economic freedom.

Protection of rights

Republics often emphasize the protection of individual rights and freedoms. Conservatives argue that a republican government, grounded in principles like the protection of property rights^[2] and free speech, can safeguard individual liberties from potential abuses of state power. An example of this would be how the second amendment in the United States protects the citizens’ rights of keeping and bearing firearms.

Civic Engagement

Conservatives also believe that a republican system encourages civic virtue and engagement. Active participation in the political process, including voting and serving in public office, is seen as a way for individuals to contribute to the well-being of their community and country, and a mean to foster a sense of duty and responsibility among citizens.

Monarchical Conservatives

Some conservatives perceive monarchy as a good thing. They content that monarchies are valuable due to their deep-roote­d traditions and stability. Monarchies embody enduring tradition, re­presenting a nation’s historical identity and foste­ring unity. Constitutional monarchies, with limited powers where government is run by elected representatives, se­rve as unifying figures devoid of political involve­ment. Monarchies align with conservative­ views on social order as they e­xemplify a traditional hierarchical structure.

Many pro-monarchy conservatives are not necessarily anti-republican. Rather, they seek to conserve their own societies, and see the conversion from monarchy to republic as a damaging change to the nature of their country.