Republican Form of Government
Federalist Paper # 39 [paragraphs 2-4]
2 "Is the proposed government a republic? The American people want a republic. Everyone who loves freedom wants self-government. We fought the Revolution to attempt this political experiment. Therefore, we cannot defend the proposed Constitution—and must abandon it—if it does not create a republic.
3 "What are the unique characteristics of a republic?... The term “republic” is often inaccurately used in political discussions.
4 "We define a republic as a government that gets all its powers—directly or indirectly—from the people. The people elect some of a republic’s administrators, who appoint other officials. And government officials remain in office either for a limited term or during good behavior.
"A republican government must come from all citizens, not just a favored class. If this is not true, a tyrant or a few tyrannical nobles could say they were creating a republic.
"It is enough that the people appoint government officials either directly or indirectly. And government officials stay in office for a specific term or during good behavior..."*
*quotes from The Federalist Papers: Modern English Edition Two
We Will Never Forget