A state is in which the sovereign power resides in the whole body of the people, and is exercised by representatives elected by them; a commonwealth. In some ancient states called republics the sovereign power was exercised by an hereditary aristocracy or a privileged few, constituting a government now distinctively called an aristocracy. In some there was a division of authority between an aristocracy and the whole body of the people except slaves. No existing republic recognizes an exclusive privilege of any classto govern, or tolerates the institution of slavery. (Web, 1)
The republican ideology is basically a part of the efforts of the colonist citizens of America to gain independence and a constitutional form of government. The history of the republican system can be traced back from the Revolutionary War, which led most colonists to come to America. These colonists believed that it was up to them to shape the way this new land would function as opposed to the Parliament or the King. They knew that their sacrifices would be acknowledged and appreciated by future generations, and also that America would serve as an example of free democratic society for whole of the world.
Religion was an important part of this ideology, as the early revolutionists believed that God was on the side of liberty and personal freedom. To them independence was a necessity. Their objective was not to be active rebellions against authority rather of self-preservation.
As the war intensified it became necessary to have some kind of Army. The result was the Continental Army, which was a mixture of traditional military discipline and republican ideology. After the war was over the most significant challenge was the development of the new government system.
The system was developed, in some respects, along social lines.................
