CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC Meaning and
Definition
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A constitutional republic is a form of government in which the powers and authorities of the state are limited by a written constitution, and the majority of the population elects representatives to make decisions on their behalf. In this system, the constitution serves as the supreme law of the land, outlining the principles, values, and rules that the government must follow. It also establishes the structure of the government, dividing powers among different branches and defining the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
In a constitutional republic, the elected representatives are responsible for making and implementing laws in accordance with the constitution. These representatives typically include a president or monarch as the head of state, a legislative body such as a parliament or congress, and an independent judicial system. The constitution also often includes specific safeguards to protect individual liberties and prevent the abuse of power, such as a bill of rights or separation of powers.
The concept of a constitutional republic emphasizes the idea of limited government, where power is distributed and controlled through a system of checks and balances. It seeks to strike a balance between the authority of the state and the rights and freedoms of the citizens. By providing a framework for government and protecting individual liberties, a constitutional republic aims to ensure a fair and just society in which the rule of law prevails.
Etymology of CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC
The term "constitutional republic" can be broken down into two parts: "constitutional" and "republic".
- "Constitutional" refers to something related to a constitution. The word can be traced back to the Latin term "constitutio" which means "settling, establishment, constitution". entered the English language in the late 15th century.
- "Republic" originates from the Latin term "res publica" meaning "public affair" or "commonwealth". This term was used during the Roman Republic era, where it referred to a form of government where power was shared and decisions were made by the people through elected representatives. became a concept in English in the 16th century.
The phrase "constitutional republic" itself refers to a form of government where the powers of the government are limited by a constitution, and where the head of state or head of government is elected as the representative of the people.
