republicanism

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

republicanism
    n 1: the political orientation of those who hold that a republic
         is the best form of government

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Republicanism \Re*pub"lic*an*ism\ (-?z'm), n. [Cf. F.
   r['e]publicanisme.]
   1. A republican form or system of government; the principles
      or theory of republican government.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Attachment to, or political sympathy for, a republican
      form of government. --Burke.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. The principles and policy of the Republican party, so
      called [U.S.]
      [1913 Webster]