Republicanism

Definition

Republicanism is a political ideology centered on citizenship in a state organized as a republic. It involves citizens electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Analogy

Think of republicanism like ordering food at a restaurant. You (the citizen) give your order (vote) to the waiter (representative), who then communicates it to the kitchen (government).

Related terms

Representative Democracy: This is a type of democracy where elected officials represent a group of people, similar to how waiters take orders from customers and relay them to the kitchen.

Federalism: Federalism refers to power divided between national and state governments – much like how responsibilities might be split between chefs, sous-chefs, and line cooks in a restaurant kitchen.

Civic Virtue: Civic virtue means citizens are willing to work for the common good even at personal cost – just as you might leave a generous tip for good service despite it costing you more.