Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

September 17, 1787

Toward the end of the Constitutional Convention people would gather around the steps of Independence Hall in Philadelphia where the deliberations were proceeding. 

When word circulated that the delegates had adjourned a crowd formed eager for news. As the representatives of the states began to filter out of the building, one of the ladies witnessing this momentous event, who knew Benjamin Franklin, saw him coming toward her.  

She asked, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” 

The eldest of those who had led The American Revolution paused, looked her in the eye and said,

“A republic, if you can keep it!”

From the notes of Dr. James McHenry, delegate from Maryland