United States Republic

a distinct set of definitions word republic evolved in united states. in common parlance, republic state not practice direct democracy rather has government indirectly controlled people. understanding of term developed james madison, , notably employed in federalist paper no. 10. meaning adopted in history of united states, including in noah webster s dictionary of 1828. novel meaning term; representative democracy not idea mentioned machiavelli , did not exist in classical republics. there evidence contemporaries of madison considered meaning of word reflect definition found elsewhere, case quotation of benjamin franklin taken notes of james mchenry question put forth, republic or monarchy? .

the term republic not appear in declaration of independence, appear in article iv of constitution guarantee[s] every state in union republican form of government. writers of constitution felt should mean uncertain. supreme court, in luther v. borden (1849), declared definition of republic political question in not intervene. in 2 later cases, did establish basic definition. in united states v. cruikshank (1875), court ruled equal rights of citizens inherent idea of republic.

however, term republic not synonymous republican form. republican form defined 1 in powers of sovereignty vested in people , exercised people, either directly, or through representatives chosen people, whom powers specially delegated. in re duncan, 139 u.s. 449, 11 s.ct. 573, 35 l.ed. 219; minor v. happersett, 88 u.s. (21 wall.) 162, 22 l.ed. 627.

beyond these basic definitions word republic has number of other connotations. w. paul adams observes republic used in united states synonym state or government, more positive connotations either of terms. republicanism referred founding ideology of united states. traditionally scholars believed american republicanism derivation of classical liberal ideologies of john locke , others developed in europe.

a political philosophy of republicanism formed during renaissance period , initiated machiavelli thought have had little impact on founders of united states. in 1960s , 1970s, revisionist school led likes of bernard bailyn began argue republicanism or more important liberalism in creation of united states. issue still disputed , scholars isaac kramnick reject view.