Res publica
From Wikinfo
- For the Estonian political party, see Union for the Republic - Res Publica.
Res publica is a Latin phrase, made of res + publica, literally meaning the "thing of the people". The term usually refers to a thing that is not considered to be private property, but which is rather held in common by many people.
It also has several related uses. The Roman government that came into being after the overthrow of the tyrants was referred to as res publica, as unlike the monarchs this new government system was seen to benefit the people. It is from this meaning that the modern term republic, which refers to a state not controlled by a monarch, is derived. Many scholars, however, consider the word commonwealth to be a more accurate translation of the term.
Res publica also had a third definition where it could refer to "public affairs" and the general system of government of a state. This usage was often used to translate the Greek term politeia. It is from this meaning that the modern name of Plato's The Republic comes.
Even when limited to its "political" connotations, the meanings of the term res publica in ancient Rome are diverse and multi-layered, and differing from the Greek politeia in many ways (that is: from the several meanings the word politeia had).
As an example of the complexities of the meaning of the word res publica one can cite Tacitus, who in the second century described in his Annals how the first Emperors, like Tiberius, sought to preserve all institutions of the Res publica completely intact, including all the roles played by tribunes, consuls, etc..., and the way they were appointed, as if nothing had changed to the form of governement � while he complained in the same writing that the res publica went astray for good because no politician seemed to care any more, least of all of course these same emperors.
Etymology
The word publica is the feminine singular of the 1st and 2nd declension adjective publicus, publica, publicum, which is itself derived from an earlier form, poplicus�"relating to the populus [people]". The Romans often wrote the two words as one, respublica and inflected both words.
See also
- De re publica, Cicero's treatise on the Res publica.
- Roman Republic, the era when ancient Rome was ruled without monarchy, or the era between the Kings and the Emperors.
References
- Adapted from the Wikipedia article, "Res_publica" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Res_publica, used under the GNU Free Documentation License
