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We are a Republic!
The most thorough answer came from
James Madison, who said that our form of government is an “Extended Limited Commercial Federal Democratic Republic.”
By “extended” he was referring to geography–never before in history has there been a republic that covered so much territory.
“Limited” refers to the fact that the Constitution expressly defines what the government can and cannot do.
“Commercial” refers to our national character. The Founders said that there were three main national characters–martial, religious, and commercial. Rome had a martial character, as does China. Ancient Israel had a religious character. Since religious and martial-character nations tend toward tyranny, the Founders chose commercial.
The rest of the story
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James Madison 4th President
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I pledge Allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible,
with Liberty and Justice for all.
Why It Matters
As James Madison wrote in Federalist Paper #10, “…democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths.
Issues Governing Illinois
Visit the "Issues" page for issues impacting the state, and the "Feedback" page for your comments on any issue. I want to accurately represent the citizens of Illinois and it will be your comments that ensure that I follow the will of the people. While there are certain issues which I will not compromise on, (see "About Randy" page), the majority of issues facing state government should be decided by the will of the people. It is my sincere desire to serve Illinois in this fashion.
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