National Republicanism

Overview
National Republicanism is a political philosophy that holds that the best way to promote national development is to allow individuals to cooperate voluntarily within a free market system, strong democratic institutions, and limited governance, so long as the citizens and institutions are imbued with a sense of civic duty and national progress. Government activity is thought necessary to maintain a exceptionally strong defense apparatus, correct market negative externalities, proactively expand national infrastructure, and develop human capital through a dynamic educational system.

Historical Context
National Republicanism is the governing philosophy of the National Republican Party in the Republic of Telamon. The NRP was founded in 3790 by Nicholas C. Monaco, its first successful candidate from the presidency. The NRP has governed Telamon for the majority of the years since its inception, with its rule being occasionally interrupted by surges in the popularity of leftist parties.

Overall, the lasting popularity of the NRP makes a strong case for the attractiveness of National Republicanism.

Domestic Policies
National Republican thought divides public life into three spheres. The first contains the individual and the family. The second is the area within which individuals conduct their lives and cooperate with one another to pursue their personal interests - business, commerce, religion, education, cultural activities, etc. The third sphere is the government itself. National Republicanism holds that the role of government is to create a strong framework within which the second sphere can function to its full potential. This can be accomplished by the strengthening of the first sphere, by putting as much power and autonomy in the hands of the basic units of society and allowing them to pursue their interests without any governmental direction save a gentle nudge towards the national interests.

Thus, National Republicanism advocates a republican system with a strong democratic institutions, popular elections, and a federal system - all operating within an implicitly nationalistic outlook. National Republicans fear the accumulation of too much power in the hands of one individual or one institution and thus try to spread power by expanding democratization and maintaining free markets (the best natural widener of power, as it places the authority over the economy in the hands of the people). National Republicanism holds that the chief duty of the federal government is the creation of an environment within which free markets and free people can prosper. This is accomplished by a laissez-faire attitude towards to labor relations and business regulation, aggressive government investments into infrastructure, and a thriving educational system based on vouchers, accountability, and competition to spur improvements within privately-owned schools.