Who held the role of the leader of the English republic during the time of Oliver Cromwell?

Okay, let's delve into the era of Oliver Cromwell and the English republic, often called the Commonwealth. To understand why "the leader" is the correct answer, we need to remember that this period, roughly from 1649 to 1660, was unique in British history. Following the English Civil War, King Charles I was executed, and the monarchy was abolished. So, there was no King during this time. Instead, England, Scotland, and Ireland were governed as a republic. Oliver Cromwell initially led as Lord Protector. This role was essentially the head of state, a position of significant power, making him "the leader" of the republic. While he wasn't a king, his authority was considerable. The term "artist" or "clans" have no relevance to the political structure of the English republic under Cromwell. The whole point of the Commonwealth was to move away from a monarchical system, making the concept of "the leader" the only logical fit.