Republic

A republic is a form of government where the people choose their leaders through elections. There is no king or queen. The leaders are supposed to work for the people who elected them. The United States, France, and India are all examples of republics.

The First Republics

Ancient Rome was one of the most famous early republics. Roman citizens voted for leaders called senators. The Roman Republic lasted for about 500 years. Other ancient civilizations also had forms of republican government.

Modern Republics

After the American and French Revolutions, many countries became republics. In a republic, the head of state is usually called a president. The president is elected by the people or by representatives. Most countries in the world today are some form of republic.

Fun Facts

• The Roman Republic lasted from 509 BCE to 27 BCE, about 500 years.
• The word "republic" comes from Latin words meaning "public thing" or "public affair."
• More than 130 countries in the world call themselves republics.

Did You Know?

The Founding Fathers of the United States studied the Roman Republic when creating the American system of government.