Republic

Have you ever picked a team captain for a game? Or maybe you and your friends decided what snack to eat? When you do that, you are using a little bit of me. I am the happy feeling when everyone gets to help make a choice. I am the idea that instead of one person being the boss, everyone can work together as a team. It's like saying, 'Let's all pick together.' I make sure everyone feels included and important, just like in a big, happy family where everyone gets a turn to speak.

My name is a Republic. Hello. A long, long time ago, in a sunny place called ancient Rome, people had a king. The king made all the rules. But the people said, 'We want to choose.' They thought it would be much more fair if they could pick their own leaders. So, they started choosing special people to help make decisions for everyone. That was me, being born. It was like a giant team choosing its captain for the very first time. I helped them work together and listen to each other. It was a brand new way to be a team, a very big team.

Today, I am busy helping in many places all over the world, like the United States. When grown-ups vote, they are using me to choose their leaders. These leaders are called presidents. It is a very big job. I help make sure everyone’s voice can be heard, big or small. I am a promise. A promise that when we choose together, we can build a kind and happy world for everyone to play in and share. Your voice matters, and one day you can help choose, too.