A Republic is a form of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter', and is not the private concern or property of the rulers. In a republic, the affairs of the state are a public matter, and officials are accountable to the public and must govern according to existing constitutional law that limits the government's power over citizens. Republics can take various forms, including presidential and parliamentary systems, and they often emphasize the rule of law and the protection of individual rights. Citizens typically elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, ensuring that the government reflects the will of the people.