Republican system of government

Definition of Republicanism

A republican government is the form of government in which the people are governed by their elected representatives and not by hereditary rulers.

A republican government is a sovereign state headed by an elected president for a fixed term of office. Examples of republican government are presidential and parliamentary systems. In 1963, Nigeria became a republic with an elected Head of State called President. Other republican states include USA, USSR, France, Ghana, Liberia, Senegal etc.

The term republicanism is derived from the term republic. A republic is a country that is governed by elected representatives of the people and led by a president who takes charge of the affairs of a country for a stipulated period.

EVALUATION

1. Enumerate resource control in monarchical government.
2. Outline five features of monarchy.
3. What is Republicanism?

Features of a Republican Government

The following are the features of a republican government:

1. In a republic, political offices are competed for in elections. They are not obtained through hereditary.
2. The president or prime minister can be removed by the electorate or their representatives.
3. It is usually characterized by a multiparty system.
4. A republican constitution is entirely home made.
5. There exist political and legal equalities in a republic
6. Political power is exercised within the limits of the constitution
7. A republic is sovereign, that is, it is not subject to another power or state.

Resource Control in a Republican Government

Resource control in a republican government is entrenched in the constitution and vested in the people of the state. The resources are controlled through the elected representatives. Since the people determine their own affairs.

Differences between Republicanism and Monarchy

Republicanism and monarchy are different in the following ways:

1. The leader in a republic is elected, while the monarch assumes power through hereditary succession
2. The principle of the rule of law is strictly adhered to in a republican government, while in monarchy the rule of law is absent.
3. In a republic, the head of state is known as the president, while in a monarchy, the head of state is known as a monarch.
4. All members of the legislature are elected in a republic; while in a monarchy, some legislators are appointed while others inherit membership of the legislature.
5. In a republic, political sovereignty resides with the people, while in monarchy the right to rule rest with the monarch
6. In a republic, the constitution is entirely home-made while in a monarchy the constitution may have some alien influence.
7. Election is held periodically in republican government while in a monarchy, especially absolute monarchy, elections are not held .
8. The principles of constitution are adhered to in a republic, while the monarch is not mandated to observe the concept of constitutionalism.

Differences between Republicanism and Monarchy (Tabulated)

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. Highlight four features of a republican government?
2. What is resource control in a republican government?
3. Outline five merits of republicanism.