Is the US a democracy or a republic? That’s a misleading question, writes a historian of early America. The values of republicanism and the values of democracy have both been vital to the nation.
Articles on Republic
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Since the republic’s beginning, it has been uncontested law that to invade someone’s home, the government needs a warrant reviewed and signed by a judicial officer. ICE is turning that law on its head.
A new book argues that South Africa should ‘start again’, but the reviewer says it doesn’t make a strong case.
It may be controversial, but the government’s social media ban for children under 16 has strong support in a new poll.
The prime minister’s reshuffle tells us much about political realities - and political problems.
Renaissance philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli dissected the threats authoritarian figures pose to representative government.
Governor-general designate Sam Mostyn would become the latest punching bag in the culture wars. But how will her Governor-Generalship compare to others past?
When everything is seen as political – indictments, Supreme Court decisions, scientific findings – a democracy may be on its way to fascism.
May 9 is the date the first Australian parliament met, and when the first parliament in Canberra and the first on Capital Hill opened. It means far more than the King’s birthday, or January 26.
Historically, a monarch was far more involved in governing than they are today, as many of their duties are now ceremonial.
In the lead-up to the Voice to parliament referendum, we’re seeing constitutional change is possible. If the Voice is successful, Australia could next consider separating us from the monarchy.
As Charles is crowned King, maybe the time has come for Canada to reassess its connection with the British monarchy and become a republic.
A recent NSW Resolve poll gave Labor 43% of the primary vote, and the Coalition just 30%, though the major party leaders were tied for preferred premier.
While there is some tapering off of support for the Albanese government since the 2022 election, it is still comfortably ahead of the Coalition.
Albanese’s bid to change Australia’s constitutional arrangements has been pencilled in for a second term, assuming Labor gets one.
Why do government policies sometimes fail to reflect the public will? The answer begins with the design of the US government system, forged in the 18th century.
The biggest hurdle for republicans is the reality that Australia is already an independent nation. Only sentiment and inertia links us to the British crown.
Although he privately disapproved of Caesar’s power, Cicero publicly supported him and Cicero also directly contributed to the end of the Roman Republic and the reign of Caesar’s nephew Augustus.
The Australian Republic Movement wants to release a new model for an Australian head of state by the end of the year.
Republic backers need to make a huge dent in public opinion to get the progress they want. People should remember even Fergie’s ‘toe sucking’ incident didn’t bring down the monarchy in the 1990s.
Top contributors
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Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
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Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne
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Professor of History and Politics, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong
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Honorary Associate Professor, Macquarie University
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John Rennie Short is a Friend of The Conversation.
Professor Emeritus of Public Policy, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
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Dean Laureate and Professor of History, Victoria University
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Senior Lecturer in Law, Charles Sturt University
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Associate Professor of History, CQUniversity Australia
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Professor, Australian National University
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Director, Vice-Chancellor's Centre of Public Ideas (CoPI) and Donald Horne Professor of History and Public Ideas, University of Canberra
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Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney
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Director, Graduate School of Government, University of Sydney
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ANU Law, Australian National University
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Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of South Carolina
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Emeritus Professor of Political Science, Australian National University