Explanation: This statement is factually incorrect. A republic, by definition, is a sovereign state where the head of state is not a monarch, but rather an elected or nominated president.

Explanation: This statement is accurate. As of June 2022, out of the 56 member states in the Commonwealth, 36 were republics, constituting a clear majority.

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Commonwealth operates on the principle of sovereign equality, meaning there is no formal differentiation in membership status among republics, Commonwealth realms, or member states with their own monarchs.

Explanation: A republic within the Commonwealth of Nations is fundamentally defined as a sovereign state that operates under a republican form of government. This signifies that its head of state is not a hereditary monarch, thereby distinguishing it from Commonwealth realms which retain the reigning monarch as their constitutional head of state.

Explanation: As of June 2022, out of the 56 member states in the Commonwealth, 36 were republics, constituting a clear majority.

Explanation: The Commonwealth operates on the principle of sovereign equality, meaning there is no formal differentiation in membership status among republics, Commonwealth realms, or member states with their own monarchs. All are considered equal members of the organization.

Explanation: Yes, this is correct. The London Declaration, issued on April 28, 1949, was a pivotal moment that formally permitted sovereign states with republican forms of government to become members of the Commonwealth.

Explanation: The Republic of Ireland declared itself a republic shortly before the London Declaration, but this action led to its self-exclusion from the Commonwealth at that time, not immediate re-admission. It did not subsequently re-apply for membership.

Explanation: Indeed, India holds the distinction of being the first nation to transition to a republic within the Commonwealth after the London Declaration. This occurred when India adopted its constitution on January 26, 1950, thereby establishing itself as a republic while affirming its continued membership.

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The London Declaration stipulated that republics could remain members provided they recognized the British monarch as the symbolic Head of the Commonwealth, not as their head of state.

Explanation: This is accurate. The London Declaration represented a significant compromise, particularly concerning India's desire to become a republic while retaining Commonwealth membership. India's acceptance of the monarch as the symbol of the association was key.

Explanation: India gained independence in 1947 but adopted its constitution and became a republic within the Commonwealth in 1950, not 1947.

Explanation: Ten days before the London Declaration in 1949, the Republic of Ireland declared itself a republic. At that time, republics were not permitted membership, leading to Ireland's self-exclusion from the Commonwealth, and it did not subsequently re-apply for membership.

Explanation: India holds the distinction of being the first nation to transition to a republic within the Commonwealth after the London Declaration. This occurred when India adopted its constitution on January 26, 1950, thereby establishing itself as a republic while affirming its continued membership.

Explanation: Following the London Declaration, any country wishing to remain a member of the Commonwealth after becoming a republic had to recognize the position of the Head of the Commonwealth. This recognition symbolized the free association of independent member nations.

Explanation: This assertion is inaccurate. While King Charles III serves as the symbolic Head of the Commonwealth, his role does not confer executive power over republican member states. His authority is confined to the Commonwealth realms where he is the reigning monarch.

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The role of the Head of the Commonwealth is primarily symbolic, representing the free association of member nations, and does not involve any governing authority.

Explanation: His Majesty King Charles III functions as the titular Head of the Commonwealth. This position is predominantly symbolic, representing the voluntary association of independent member nations. It does not entail executive authority or direct governance over any member state, particularly the republics within the organization; his role as head of state is exclusively applicable to the Commonwealth realms.

Explanation: This statement accurately describes a common trajectory. Many Commonwealth countries, upon gaining independence, initially maintained the British monarch as their head of state. Over time, constitutional evolution led many of these nations to adopt republican forms of government, thereby abolishing the monarchy.

Explanation: While the Governor-General represented the monarch, their role was to act as the monarch's representative in a Commonwealth realm. The monarch was the head of state, and the Governor-General exercised powers on their behalf, often with significant constitutional discretion.

Explanation: This is correct. Both Malta and Fiji adopted parliamentary republican systems by constitutional means, which included the abolition of the monarchy as their head of state.

Explanation: Fiji's transition to a republic in 1987 was primarily precipitated by two military coups, rather than widespread popular republican sentiment.

Explanation: This is not entirely accurate. Even after becoming a republic, Fiji retained certain symbols of the monarchy for a period, such as the Queen's portrait on currency and the observance of her birthday as a public holiday.

Explanation: This statement is correct. Commonwealth republics exhibit diversity in their presidential systems, commonly featuring either a ceremonial president with largely symbolic duties or an executive president who wields significant political power.

Explanation: This is incorrect. Malta, Mauritius, and Trinidad and Tobago are cited as examples of Commonwealth republics with ceremonial presidencies, where the president's role is largely symbolic.

Explanation: This statement is correct. The Gambia, Ghana, and Malawi are recognized as Commonwealth republics where the president typically exercises substantial executive authority.

Explanation: This is accurate. Prior to its independence and joining the Commonwealth in 1970, Samoa was administered as a League of Nations Mandated Territory and subsequently as a United Nations Trust Territory by New Zealand.

Explanation: This statement is correct. Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965, became a republic, and joined the Commonwealth in 1966.

Explanation: This statement is correct. Kiribati gained independence in 1979, joined the Commonwealth in the same year, and operates with an executive presidential system.

Explanation: This is accurate. Vanuatu, previously known as the New Hebrides condominium, achieved independence and became a republic in 1980, joining the Commonwealth in the same year.

Explanation: Namibia was administered by South Africa as a League of Nations Mandated Territory and later as a UN Trust Territory. It was not administered by the United Kingdom before its independence and Commonwealth membership in 1990.

Explanation: Barbados gained independence in 1966 but became a republic much later, in 2021. Its first president was the former Governor-General.

Explanation: This is accurate. Ghana became a presidential republic in 1960, and its first president was indeed the incumbent Prime Minister at the time of the transition.

Explanation: This statement is correct. Guyana gained independence in 1966, transitioned to a republic with an executive presidency in 1970, and its first president was the interim Governor-General.

Explanation: This is accurate. Kenya gained independence in 1963 and transitioned to a presidential republic in 1964, with its first president being the incumbent Prime Minister.

Explanation: Malawi became a presidential republic in 1966, but its first president was the incumbent Prime Minister, not the former Governor-General.

Explanation: This is accurate. Malta transitioned to a parliamentary republic in 1974, and its first president was indeed the incumbent Governor-General at that time.

Explanation: This statement is correct. Mauritius became a republic in 1992, and its first president was the interim Governor-General.

Explanation: Nigeria became a presidential republic in 1963, but its first president was the incumbent Governor-General, not the Prime Minister.

Explanation: This is accurate. Pakistan adopted a parliamentary republic structure in 1956, and its first president was the incumbent Governor-General.

Explanation: This statement is correct. Sierra Leone became a presidential republic in 1971, and its first president was the interim Governor-General.

Explanation: This is accurate. South Africa became a republic in 1961, and its first president was the incumbent Governor-General.

Explanation: Sri Lanka became a republic in 1972, but it is a semi-presidential republic, not strictly a presidential one.

Explanation: This is accurate. Tanzania became a presidential republic in 1962, and its first president was the incumbent Prime Minister.

Explanation: This statement is correct. Trinidad and Tobago became a republic in 1976, and its first president was the incumbent Governor-General.

Explanation: This is accurate. Before becoming a republic in 1966, Uganda established an indigenous elective monarchy in 1963, where the head of state held the title of President.

Explanation: Many Commonwealth countries achieved independence while initially retaining the British monarch as their head of state. Over time, constitutional evolution led many of these nations to adopt republican forms of government, thereby abolishing the monarchy.

Explanation: Malta is cited as an example of a parliamentary republic that transitioned from being a Commonwealth realm. It adopted its republican constitution in 1974.

Explanation: Fiji's transition to a republic in 1987 was primarily precipitated by two military coups, rather than widespread popular republican sentiment within the country.

Explanation: Even after becoming a republic, Fiji retained certain symbols of the monarchy for a period, such as the Queen's portrait on currency and the observance of her birthday as a public holiday, similar to practices before the republican transition.

Explanation: Commonwealth republics predominantly feature either a ceremonial presidency, where the president's functions are largely symbolic, or an executive presidency, where the president wields substantial political and administrative power.

Explanation: Malta, Mauritius, and Trinidad and Tobago are cited as examples of Commonwealth republics with ceremonial presidencies, where the president's role is largely symbolic.

Explanation: In Commonwealth republics with executive presidencies, the president typically wields significant political and executive power, distinguishing this system from one with a ceremonial president.

Explanation: Before its independence and Commonwealth membership in 1970, Samoa was administered by New Zealand under mandates from the League of Nations and later the United Nations.

Explanation: Singapore became a republic and joined the Commonwealth in 1966, following its separation from Malaysia in 1965.

Explanation: Namibia, previously known as South West Africa, was a League of Nations Mandated Territory administered by South Africa. This arrangement continued under UN supervision until Namibia's independence and Commonwealth membership in 1990.

Explanation: Barbados became a parliamentary republic on November 30, 2021, the anniversary of its independence. Its first president was Dame Sandra Mason, who had previously served as the island's Governor-General.

Explanation: Ghana became a presidential republic in 1960, having gained independence in 1957. Its first president was the incumbent Prime Minister at the time of the transition.

Explanation: Sri Lanka became a republic in 1972, adopting a semi-presidential system. It gained independence in 1948.

Explanation: This assertion is incorrect. While some Commonwealth republics have origins in French colonies (e.g., Gabon, Togo), the predominant historical origin for most Commonwealth republics lies in former British colonies. Exceptions such as Mozambique (formerly Portuguese) and Rwanda (formerly Belgian mandate/trust territory) also exist.

Explanation: Yes, a country can become a republic within the Commonwealth after achieving independence from another former British colony. An example of this is Bangladesh, which became a republic after gaining independence from Pakistan in 1971.

Explanation: This is accurate. Prior to 2007, Commonwealth member states that transitioned to republican status were indeed required to formally re-apply for membership to ensure continued adherence to Commonwealth principles.

Explanation: South Africa's decision not to pursue re-application in 1961 was not solely due to becoming a republic, but rather due to widespread international objection to its apartheid policies. The country was later readmitted in 1994 after democratic elections.

Explanation: Fiji and the Maldives did not formally choose to leave; rather, their membership lapsed or was complicated by events such as coups (in Fiji's case), which would have likely led to suspension, causing their departure from the Commonwealth.

Explanation: While Cameroon, Gabon, and Togo all gained independence in 1960, only Cameroon joined the Commonwealth in 1995. Gabon and Togo became members much later, in 2022.

Explanation: Rwanda gained independence from Belgium in 1962, not France, and subsequently joined the Commonwealth in 2009.

Explanation: Nauru became an independent republic in 1968 but joined the Commonwealth as a full member in 2000. Prior to that, it held special membership status, but its independence year was 1968, not the year it became a republic within the Commonwealth context.

Explanation: This is accurate. Mozambique, having been a Portuguese colony, represents a notable exception among Commonwealth republics, as most members historically originated from British territories.

Explanation: While Ireland and Zimbabwe are mentioned as former republics that were once members, the statement implies they are the *only* two. The text does not explicitly state this exclusivity, and other former members might exist or have existed.

Explanation: This is accurate. The 2007 Kampala review affirmed that eligibility for new republics typically requires a 'historic constitutional association' with an existing Commonwealth member, although exceptions can be made under specific circumstances.

Explanation: This statement is correct. Gabon and Togo, both former French colonies, were admitted as new members in 2022, representing cases where membership was granted under exceptional circumstances, deviating from the typical historical British colonial link.

Explanation: The United States, due to its historical relationship with the British Empire, is considered eligible for Commonwealth membership. However, it has not demonstrated any interest in pursuing membership.

Explanation: India, while a former British colony, is not an exception in terms of origin. Mozambique (formerly Portuguese), Rwanda (formerly Belgian mandate/trust territory), Gabon, and Togo (formerly French) are cited as exceptions because they were not former British colonies.

Explanation: Prior to 2007, Commonwealth member states that transitioned to republican status were required to formally re-apply for membership to ensure continued adherence to Commonwealth principles.

Explanation: South Africa's decision not to pursue re-application in 1961 was due to widespread international objection to its apartheid policies. The country was later readmitted in 1994 after democratic elections.

Explanation: Fiji and the Maldives are mentioned as countries that did not apply for continued Commonwealth membership after becoming republics. Fiji's membership lapsed following a coup, and the Maldives also ceased to be a member.

Explanation: While Cameroon, Gabon, and Togo all gained independence in 1960, Togo (along with Gabon) joined the Commonwealth much later in 2022, representing a recent expansion under exceptional circumstances.

Explanation: Rwanda gained independence from Belgium in 1962 and subsequently joined the Commonwealth in 2009. This makes it an exception to the typical British colonial origin.

Explanation: The text explicitly mentions Ireland (which self-excluded) and Zimbabwe (which left the Commonwealth) as former republics that were once members.

Explanation: The 2007 Kampala review affirmed that eligibility for new republics typically requires a 'historic constitutional association' with an existing Commonwealth member, although exceptions can be made under specific circumstances, such as for Rwanda.

Explanation: The republics of South Sudan, Sudan, and Suriname have formally applied to join the Commonwealth. Other nations like the United States and Israel are eligible but have not applied.