res publica

A variation of the familiar formula: videant consules ne quid res publica detrimenti capiat.

It means arbitrary power in an individual person; in the exercise of which, himself, and not the res-publica, is the object.

The Roman state, or as they said, the commonwealth (res publica) was governed by the consuls, two magistrates elected each year.

Kings may be a necessity, yet the thing of the state is not theirs, but is the common property of the citizens, res publica.

Haec igitur non suscipiet rei publicae causa, ne res publica quidem pro se suscipi volet.