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A constitutional republic is a type of republic based on a constitution, a written body of fundamental precedents and principles from which the laws of the nation are developed. As of 2021, there were about 13 constitutional republics in the world. However, this number may vary as the specific type of republic a country has can be difficult to define due to the broad modern definition of a republic. For example, 159 sovereign states use the word republic in their official names, but some of these countries arguably distort the definition of a republic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of constitutional republics in the world | 13 (as of 2021) |
| Definition | A republic is a government in which the head of state is empowered to hold office through law, not inheritance (as in a monarchy). A constitutional republic is a type of republic based on a constitution, a written body of fundamental precedents and principles from which the laws of the nation are developed. |
| Examples | Somaliland, Philippines, Mexico, Ghana, United States, Guatemala, Honduras |
| Common types | Presidential republic, parliamentary republic |
| Number of countries with "republic" in their official names | 159 |
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What You'll Learn
The two most common types of constitutional republics
A constitutional republic is a form of government in which representatives are elected by the people. The term 'republic' is used to describe a system of government in which the source of authority is a constitution, and the legitimacy of its officials derives from the consent of the people rather than heredity or divine right.
Presidential republics and parliamentary republics differ primarily in the structure and distribution of power. In a presidential republic, the president is the head of state and is directly elected by the voters. In a parliamentary republic, the head of government is selected or nominated by the legislature and is accountable to it. The head of state in a parliamentary republic is usually called a president and serves a largely apolitical, ceremonial role.
It is important to note that the specific type of republic can vary, and there are also mixed republican systems and directorial republican systems. Additionally, some countries may be nominally constitutional republics but function effectively as dictatorships.
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The number of constitutional republics in the world
A constitutional republic is a type of republic based on a constitution, a written body of fundamental precedents and principles from which the laws of the nation are developed. Most constitutional republics in the modern world use a universal suffrage system, in which all citizens of the nation are empowered to vote for or against individuals who attempt to achieve public office. Universal suffrage is not required for a nation to qualify as a constitutional republic, and some nations may only allow certain categories of citizens to vote for elected leaders.
Constitutional republics differ from other forms of democratic systems in the roles assigned to both the leaders and the citizenry. In a pure democratic system, the government is formed by pure majority rule, and this system therefore ignores the opinions of any minority group. To qualify as a constitutional republic, a nation must choose a head of state (most often a president) through elections, according to constitutional law. In some nations, an elected president may serve alongside an appointed or elected individual who serves as leader of the legislature, such as a prime minister, often called the “head of government.” When the president also serves as head of government, the republic is said to operate under a presidential system.
There are two common types of constitutional republics: presidential republics and parliamentary republics. In a presidential republic, the executive branch of the government is led by a president who is elected by the people. In a parliamentary republic, the executive branch is led by a group of elected officials, which may or may not be called a parliament, and that group elects a prime minister from among themselves. Examples of constitutional republics include the United States, Mexico, the Philippines, Ghana, Somaliland, Guatemala, and Honduras. As of 2021, there were about thirteen constitutional republics in the world.
It is worth noting that the term "republic" is used broadly and can be incorporated into the titles of countries that do not necessarily operate as republics. For example, North Korea's official name is the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea," but the country is widely considered a military dictatorship and a totalitarian regime.
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Examples of constitutional republics
A constitutional republic is a form of government in which a representative is elected by the people to govern them according to the rules established in the law of the land. The head of state and other representatives are elected but do not have uncontrolled power. Their powers are limited by a written constitution.
The United States of America is a federal constitutional democratic republic. US citizens elect a President and other representatives who govern them as the Constitution directs. The US Constitution contains protections against what is referred to as "the tyranny of the majority" on the rights of citizens. For example, Congress cannot prohibit the expression of free speech or the free exercise of one's religion, and it cannot infringe on a citizen's right to possess a gun.
The Philippines, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a constitutional republic. It is a sovereign island country in Southeast Asia, consisting of 7,107 islands.
Ghana, officially the Republic of Ghana, is a constitutional republic. It is a sovereign multinational state and unitary presidential constitutional democracy, located along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa.
Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a federal republic in North America. It is a federation comprising thirty-one states and a Federal District.
While it is difficult to compile a comprehensive list of constitutional republics, 159 of the world's sovereign states use the word "republic" in their official names.
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The difference between a republic and a constitutional monarchy
The number of constitutional republics in the world is difficult to pinpoint due to the broad modern definition of a republic and the fact that some countries may have multiple ruling bodies or government types. However, 159 of the world's sovereign states use the word "republic" in their official names. Examples of constitutional republics include the Philippines, Mexico, and Ghana.
Now, let's delve into the differences between a republic and a constitutional monarchy. A republic is a form of government where the people have the right to choose their leaders through voting. It is characterized by freedom and the belief that power is vested in the citizens, who periodically elect their representatives under a constitution. In a republic, the head of state is typically called a president and may be separate from the head of government, serving a largely ceremonial role.
On the other hand, a constitutional monarchy is a system where a monarchy rules alongside a written or unwritten constitution. While the monarch is still the head of state, their powers are limited, and they often govern through a parliament or other legislative body. The monarch becomes more of a figurehead, although they may retain some discretionary powers.
The key distinction between these forms of government lies in the system of ruling and how the head of state is chosen. In a republic, the head of state is usually elected directly or indirectly by the people, while in a constitutional monarchy, the monarch inherits their position, often validated by a parliament. This gives rise to differences in stability, governability, accountability, and representation.
In terms of stability, a constitutional monarchy may offer more stability due to the long-term appointment of the head of state, whereas, in a republic, the head of state typically changes more frequently through elections. However, a republic is often seen as providing more accountability and direct representation of the people's interests.
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How a constitutional republic differs from a pure democracy
There are 159 countries that use the word "republic" in their official names. However, it is challenging to compile a list of countries that truly operate as republics due to the broad modern definition of a republic. Examples of constitutional republics include the Philippines, Ghana, and the United States.
A constitutional republic is a form of government where the leader is periodically appointed under a constitution, typically through elections, as opposed to inheriting power in a monarchy. It is a hybrid form of government that combines democratic and republican features. In a constitutional republic, citizens elect representatives to make laws and an executive to enforce those laws. The majority rules in the selection of representatives, but an official charter, such as a constitution, protects certain inalienable rights, safeguarding the minority from the majority's whims.
A pure democracy, on the other hand, is characterized by direct rule by the people, where the voting majority holds significant power over the minority. In a pure democracy, the people meet and directly exercise the functions of government, without the intermediary of representatives. This form of government is typically confined to a small geographic area.
The main difference between a constitutional republic and a pure democracy lies in the degree of citizen involvement in the law-making process and the extent to which citizens control governance. A constitutional republic, such as the United States, is a representative democracy, where citizens vote for representatives to govern on their behalf. The representatives, in turn, make and enforce the laws. This system aims to balance majority rule with the protection of minority rights.
In contrast, a pure democracy allows for more direct participation by the people in the law-making process and governance. However, it is important to note that the terms "democracy" and "republic" have been used interchangeably throughout history, particularly during the American Revolution, to signify a fundamental distinction from monarchy, where power is held by a monarch rather than the people.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2021, there are about 13 constitutional republics in the world.
A constitutional republic is a type of republic based on a constitution, a written body of fundamental precedents and principles from which the laws of the nation are developed.
Some examples of constitutional republics include the United States, Mexico, the Philippines, Somaliland, Ghana, Guatemala, and Honduras.
A country becomes a constitutional republic by adopting a constitution that outlines the roles of the head of state and the citizens in the government.
The key features of a constitutional republic include a written constitution, a head of state elected by the citizens, and a system of checks and balances to protect the rights of the people.
