Civic republicanism and Sir Robert Menzies: the non-liberal side of the Liberal leader

Abstract

Robert Menzies was the founder of the Liberal Party and a constitutional monarchist. His political thought, however, often reveals a civic republican understanding of the crucial problems of government and society. This article will examine some key events and influences on Menzies and argue that his political philosophy and understanding of politics can be more accurately understood as classically republican. In his support for a limited monarchy, his defence of public life, and insistence on civic virtue through education, Menzies supported fundamentally republican ideals. This article offers scholars a way to get past some of the seemingly contradictory elements of Menzies's career and arguments, along with reassessing the role and understanding of republicanism in Australian political history.