What comes to mind when thinking about a civil society? Perhaps where people interact in a civil manner, or the community at large participates with civility, airing differences without harshness towards one another. How did the Founders view a civil society? Just prior to the Declaration of Independence, Alexander Hamilton declared, “When the first principles […]
Why do you suppose the First Amendment says, “Congress shall make no law…” while the Second Amendment says, “shall not be infringed”? Clearly, there is a difference in these statements. One limits a specific entity of government while the other is a blanket and all-encompassing statement. The right to keep and bear arms as recognized […]
“Well, Doctor, what have we got—a Republic or a Monarchy?” “A Republic, if you can keep it.” — Benjamin Franklin So ended the constitutional convention in 1787 with the delegates exiting the hall in Philadelphia. Mrs. Powell asked this question of Dr. Franklin, his answer “a Republic, if you can keep it” tells us a […]