According to a tale recorded by James McHenry of Maryland, he made his point in a pithier way to an anxious lady named Mrs. Powel, who accosted him outside the hall. What type of government, she asked, have you delegates given us? To which he replied, "A republic, madam, if you can keep it."33 The
In a historical anecdote highlighted by James McHenry of Maryland, an exchange between Mrs. Powel and Benjamin Franklin underscores the delicate balance of governance. Mrs. Powel, concerned about the newly established government, approached Franklin with an urgent question regarding its nature. She sought assurance about the system that had just been crafted by the delegates.
Franklin’s response, "A republic, madam, if you can keep it," succinctly encapsulated the responsibility placed on citizens to maintain their government. This interaction reflects the underlying principles of democracy and civic duty, suggesting that the success of the republic relies heavily on the active participation and vigilance of its people.
