The founding of a republic refers to the establishment of a government in which representatives are elected by the citizens to make decisions on their behalf. This concept emerged prominently during the late 18th century, particularly with the creation of the United States after the American Revolution. The founding documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, laid the groundwork for a system based on democratic principles and individual rights. In a republic, power is held by the people and their elected representatives, rather than a monarchy or dictatorship. The founding of a republic often involves debates about governance, rights, and the role of citizens, as seen in the discussions among the Founding Fathers of the United States. These principles have influenced many other nations in their pursuit of democratic governance.