Republican

Republican, one who lives under, or is in favour of, that form of constitution which is called a republic. In the United States the term has become attached to the political party, formed 1856 (?), which was opposed to the maintenance of slavery and which rose into power in 1861, and was the main element in resisting the secession of the Southern States; while the Democrats, as 3 "State-rights" party, to some extent sympathised with the South. The Republicans remained in power until 1885, and won it again in 1889, under President Harrison, but lost it again in 1893. Their platform comprises a certain degree of centralisation, thorough Protection by a high tariff, and lavish expenditure of public money. [Democrat.]