republicanism

n. government in which citizens elect their representatives; principals of the republican system of government

Republicanism is the ideology of governing a nation as a democracy, with an emphasis on liberty, rule by the people, and the civic virtue practiced by citizens. Republicanism always stands in opposition to aristocracy, oligarchy, and dictatorship. More broadly, it refers to a political system that protects liberty, especially by incorporating a rule of law that cannot be arbitrarily ignored by the government. Or as John Adams put it, “They define a republic to be a government of laws, and not of men.” Much of the literature deals with the issue of what sort of values and behavior by the citizens is necessary if the republic is to survive and flourish; the emphasis has been on widespread citizen participation, civic virtue, and opposition to corruption.
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Noun
1. the political orientation of those who hold that a republic is the best form of government
(hypernym) political orientation, ideology, political theory

(n.)
The principles and policy of the Republican party, so called
  

(n.)
Attachment to, or political sympathy for, a republican form of government.
  

(n.)
A republican form or system of government; the principles or theory of republican government.
  

republicanism