Keeping the Republic
An Independent View
John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence (1818), displayed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
This iconic painting portrays the presentation of the Declaration’s draft to
the Second Continental Congress on June 28, 1776.
Image from the Library of Congress.
DEFENDING DEMOCRACY
"A Republic, If You Can Keep It."
In 1787, as he left the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Franklin was asked what kind of government the delegates had created. He replied with a warning that still echoes today: “A republic, if you can keep it.”
Our republic is not self-sustaining. It is a continuous act of citizenship that demands knowledge, vigilance, and active engagement from every generation to preserve its principles and freedoms.
For nearly 250 years, the United States has tested the boldest idea in history that free people can govern themselves. Every generation must embrace that responsibility, not with swords, but through ideas, debate, and informed participation.
— Benjamin Franklin (1787)
THE LIBERTY BELL 1753
“Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout All The Land Unto All The Inhabitants Thereof.” - Leviticus 25:10
This Bible verse is inscribed around the crown of the Liberty Bell. Originally cast in 1753 for the Pennsylvania State House, now Independence Hall . The bell was intended to summon lawmakers and announce important public news. Its famous crack appeared decades later, and in the 1830s, abolitionists adopted it as a powerful symbol in the fight against slavery, reminding America that true liberty must extend to all.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The Boldest Experiment in Self-Government
“Our popular Government has often been called an experiment. Two points in it our people have already settled — the successful establishing and the successful administering of it. One still remains — its successful maintenance…”
— Abraham Lincoln (1861)
FOUNDATION
The Framework of American Liberty
The Three Branches of Our Government
Our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, and the balance between our three branches of government form the framework that enables independent thought and political change.
This foundation is maintained by dividing federal power among the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches, ensuring a functional system of checks and balances.
The Bill of Rights: Liberties Guaranteed
The first ten amendments serve as a critical check on federal authority, guaranteeing fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process. They exist specifically to protect the individual citizen and ensure the right to independent thought and political action.
Global Influence and Democratic Ideals
The American system is often referred to as the world's greatest democratic experiment. Our true global influence lies not just in power, but in being a consistent example of democratic ideals, free debate, and the peaceful transfer of power, which inspires democratic movements worldwide.
DEMOCRACY
A Rare Global Exception
According to the latest EIU Democracy Index, only 6.6% of the world's population lives in a “full democracy.” While nearly half the world lives under some form of democratic governance, global freedom is at an all-time low and remains incredibly fragile.
Democracy is Rare
FULL
DEMOCRACIES
The world's most robust democracies.
25
Countries/Territories
6.6%
World Population
Citizens enjoy the fullest range of political rights and civil liberties, backed by strong institutions, rule of law, and transparent governance.
(EIU 2024)
FLAWED
DEMOCRACIES
Firmly democratic, but with ongoing challenges.
46
Countries/Territories
38.4%
World Population
While meeting basic democratic standards, these countries face political polarization, corruption, or uneven application of the rule of law.
(EIU 2024)
HYBRID
REGIMES
States with limited respect for freedom.
36
Countries/Territories
15.7%
World Population
Elections are not genuinely free or fair with irregularities. Pervasive corruption, weak rule of law, and the harassment of opposition groups and journalists.
(EIU 2024)
AUTHORITARIAN
REGIMES
Severe deprivation of basic rights.
60
Countries/Territories
39.2%
World Population
Political rights and civil liberties are denied, often involving severe suppression of dissent, media censorship, and lack of democratic processes.
(EIU 2024)
Freedom for Some
45%
Live in a Democracy
The percentage of the world’s population living under either a full or flawed democratic system.
(EIU 2024)
23%
Full Freedom of Speech
The percentage of people who can freely express political opinions, organize protests, and petition the government without fear.
(V-Dem)
8%
Access to Free Press
The percentage of the world’s population living in countries where the media is considered truly free.
(Freedom House)
20%
Reproductive Autonomy
The percentage of women of reproductive age living in countries with broad, secure access to full reproductive freedom and choice.
(UNFPA)
WE THE PEOPLE
The United States' Freedom Status
In 2016, the Economist Intelligence Unit downgraded the United States from a Full Democracy to a Flawed Democracy. That decline has continued. The latest Democracy Index ranks America 28th globally.
The following independent reports track this downward trend using objective metrics:
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Freedom House: The U.S. has received its lowest score ever, declining to 81/100. This 12-point drop since 2005 has moved the U.S. out of the cohort of highly rated democracies like Canada and Germany and closer to nations like Romania, Croatia, and Panama.
-
V-Dem Institute: For the first time in over 50 years, the U.S. has lost its status as a Liberal Democracy in the 2026 Democracy Report, dropping to 51st in the world.
-
EIU Democracy Index: The U.S. continues to be classified as a Flawed Democracy, reflecting one of the fastest declines ever recorded in an established democracy.
-
Reporters Without Borders: The U.S. now ranks 57th globally in Press Freedom, reflecting a problematic environment for independent journalism.
This erosion reflects deepening polarization, institutional friction, and challenges to checks and balances.
STAY INFORMED
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