Charles Knapp on It's All Ancient History

All of these dangers were recognized and discussed at some length during the deliberations in Philadelphia that resulted in the U.S. Constitution. Of course, the debate wasn’t only informed by the experiences of Greece and Rome but by later scholars and philosophers such as those of the Scottish Enlightenment (Smith, Hume), Locke and Montesquieu to name only some. Perhaps it was the combination of a large landmass and a rather heterogeneous population that helped avoid the fate of earlier examples of democracy. Perhaps an independent judiciary and an amendment process helped. Maybe it was dumb luck. Maybe all of these dangers above and more. Yet, whatever the reason, the U.S. democracy stands … even as Benjamin Franklin’s caution still hangs in the air. When asked what type of government was created in Philadelphia in 1787, “A republic, if you can keep it” was his reply. Popular government’s survival ultimately rests on the wisdom and commitment of the people.