Res publica
- 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.
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.
Res publica is further simplified in modern society to 'republic' - a state which is governed in the absence of a monarchy by a collective of people, often elected by a democratic system, to rule and pass legislation.