What is the term for the new form of government instituted by the Romans that rejected kingship?

The correct answer is "Res Publica," which translates to "the public thing" or "the commonwealth" in Latin. This term encapsulates the Roman experiment with a form of governance that emphasized public ownership and the importance of the community above individual rulers. The establishment of the Res Publica in ancient Rome marked a significant shift away from monarchic rule, particularly after the expulsion of the last Roman king, Tarquin the Proud, in 509 BCE.

This framework laid the foundation for a representative government where elected officials such as senators and consuls had authority, contrasting sharply with the concentration of power seen in autocratic systems or monarchies. In the Res Publica, power was distributed among various institutions and offices, fostering a political environment that prioritized civic involvement and collective decision-making.

While concepts like democracy, oligarchy, and autocracy address different political structures or types of governance, they do not specifically reflect the unique Roman model of shared power and public responsibility that defined the Res Publica. Thus, understanding the nuances of the term "Res Publica" is essential for comprehending the broader historical context of Roman governance and its influence on later political systems.