You Can't Just 'Have' a Constitutional Republic

When Benjamin Franklin exited the building at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, a woman asked him what system of government had been decided upon. Many Americans are familiar with his famous response, “a republic, madam, if you can keep it.” This quote has been repeated many times as a means of correcting those individuals who think we live in a democracy.

The portion of Mr. Franklin's statement which receives less attention, yet should be considered the most important part of all is that he suggested that we must “keep it.”

One cannot just “have” a Constitutional Republic – or any other system of government for that matter – one must “keep” it. What is implied by this?

The implication is as plain as the nose on your face: We the People bear the entire responsibility of keeping and maintaining the system of government we so choose to live by.

A farmer can't simply “have” a hayfield which continues producing in perpetuity all on its own.

A homeowner can't simply “have” his or her house repair itself when infested with termites or other such maladies.

By the same token, a system of government must be maintained if it is expected to retain its correct function. It must be maintained and guarded – forever – by those who have been entrusted with it. Being that our system is a Constitutional Republic, which is by definition a system in which the Individual is sovereign over all other facets of governance, this means that We the People – individually and collectively – are solely and completely responsible for its upkeep.

My main purpose in reminding my fellow Americans of this great charge in which our Founders entrusted unto us is to counter the presumed patriotism of those who actively vote. Why do I say 'presumed?' Because just simply voting, only to then go home and feel somehow patriotic and proud, is a sad token of one's sense of political responsibility. Voting is not enough. That's a slacker's excuse for saying that you've somehow made a difference. If voting is enough, then why is our nation in such a shambles?

It is up to each and every individual to proactively participate in whatever process he or she may deem appropriate to help maintain this government, lest we should all accept the fact that the powerful and greedy will do it for us.

Go beyond – in any way that you can – to perpetuate the greatness that is our American system. Run for office. Be a volunteer at your local polling location. Study the Constitution. Start an activist group which has as its mission statement to educate the local citizens about the political happenings in your own area. Organize rallies protesting constitutional infractions. Organize classes teaching the basics of Individualistic thought inherent to our system of governance. Go beyond. Only then can you claim you are truly a Patriot. Only then can you honestly proclaim to the spirit of 'ol Ben, 'Yes, Mr. Franklin, I am trying my best to keep it!'