Republic Day: What’s the Core of a ‘Republic’?

Our Responsibilities as Citizens Go Beyond Voting

January 26, 2025

As we, Indians, celebrate Republic Day, it serves as a reminder that our nation is a “republic,” with our Constitution affirming that we, the people, “authorise” the government to govern. Gaining a clear understanding of the essence of a republic can deepen our comprehension of our role in public life.

A republic is a form of government in which the country is considered a “public matter”, and neither of its heads of state and government is a hereditary monarch or dictator. In a republic, the authority to govern is derived from the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

The Latin term res publica, from which the English word “republic” is derived, can be broken down into two parts: res meaning “thing” or “matter,” and publica meaning “public” or “of the people.” Therefore, res publica translates to “public affair” or “matter of the people.”

Historically, res publica referred to the state or commonwealth as a public entity, distinguished from private interests of the monarch or ruling individuals. It meant that the state is a matter to be managed for the collective interest of all its citizens, not for the benefit of a ruling few.

In essence, res publica means that governance should be an open and collective endeavour, serving the public good rather than private interests.

We could say that the ultimate power resides with us, the people, as we exercise our will through voting; and officials, including both the head of state, or the President, and the head of government, the Prime Minister, are elected to serve for specified terms.

Further, a republic operates under a framework of laws and a constitution, which limits government power and ensures the rights and liberties of citizens. Political leaders and representatives are accountable to the public, through regular elections and constitutional checks and balances.

The Indian Constitution ensures that the country is, and remains, a republic through provisions that establish its fundamental framework – democratic principles, popular sovereignty and elected leadership. The Preamble explicitly declares India to be a “sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.”

Article 1 of the Constitution proclaims that “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.” This designation establishes the country as a singular entity governed by the collective will of its people, representing diverse regions including Northeast India, South India, West India, East India, Central India and North India.

In a republic, the rule of law is a foundational principle of governance wherein all persons, institutions and entities—both public and private, including the state itself—are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced and independently adjudicated.

Article 14 of the Indian Constitution embodies this principle by stating, “The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.”

This article ensures that every individual is subject to the same laws and judicial processes. It prohibits discrimination by the state against any individual or group and mandates equal treatment under equivalent circumstances. This establishes a legal framework where laws are not arbitrary, are administered impartially and provide a level playing field for all citizens.

For citizens, it’s important to remember that the exercise of popular sovereignty doesn’t end with elections. It involves ongoing participation, engagement and oversight of the government by the citizens.

Judicial review allows courts to interpret the constitution and invalidate any government actions or laws that contravene constitutional provisions, ensuring the government cannot overstep its defined powers. Citizens or organisations can bring issues to the attention of the courts. The Indian judiciary recognises public interest litigation (PIL), allowing individuals or groups to file petitions on behalf of the public, especially when they believe that the public interest is at stake due to the failure of government or other bodies to fulfil their duties.

Further, the separation of powers divides government into separate branches—legislative, executive and judicial—each with specific powers and responsibilities, providing a system of checks and balances to prevent any single branch from dominating. Citizens can actively engage in advocacy and public oversight to ensure that the separation of powers functions effectively as a system of checks and balances.

Furthermore, a free press and active civil society are crucial, as they scrutinise government actions, expose misdeeds and hold officials accountable, acting as a voice for the public and a tool for ensuring transparency. Citizens can contribute by supporting a free press and participating in civil society activities.

People also express their will through public opinion and protests, which manifest as peaceful demonstrations, petitions and public discourse to influence government policies and actions outside of electoral cycles.