Final answer:
Republicanism is founded on the principles of liberty, sovereign people, and elected representatives, contrasting with monarchy where power resides with an inherited ruler. It emphasizes civic virtue and opposition to corruption, while being wary of pure democratic rule's potential pitfalls.
Step-by-step explanation:
Republicanism is a political philosophy that champions liberty, unalienable rights, and the sovereignty of the people. It is based on the idea that the state should be governed by representatives elected by the citizens, rather than a monarch. In contrast, a monarchy is a form of government where a single person, usually a king or queen, holds power, often inherited through a royal lineage. Republicanism requires civic virtue from its citizens and denounces all forms of corruption, while the monarchy can be seen as embodying an inherited status not necessarily tied to the citizens' choice or virtue.
One of the central tenets of republicanism is the rejection of aristocracy, inherited political power, and monarchy. Instead, it encourages a government where officials are elected for the common good and not personal gain. This approach is significantly different from monarchies where power is typically centralized in a single individual or a ruling family. The essence of republicanism is to put the power in the hands of the people, thereby promoting a democratic ethos while simultaneously guarding against the potential excesses of pure democracy as highlighted by figures like James Madison.