A Republic If You Can Keep It

1788, on exiting the Philadelphia Convention which had just drawn up the U.S. Constitution, Ben Franklin was asked what kind of government was proposed. His response: “A republic if you can keep it.” In 2024, facing elections in November, that “if” is on the minds of most Americans. How was the constitution of 1789 designed to shape our politics and avert, or at least cope with crises? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Can it provide understanding of how we have reached these political times and guidance for passing through them successfully?

Herbert Gooch, PhD, is professor emeritus of Political Science at Cal Lutheran. He is former director of the Masters in Public Policy and Administration program and assistant provost for Graduate Studies at Cal Lutheran. A graduate of UC Berkeley in History, Gooch holds an MBA in Management and both masters and doctoral degrees in Political Science from UCLA. He has written extensively and is a frequent commentator on political affairs locally and statewide

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people 50+ years of age, seeking intellectual stimulation through university level courses (without the pressure of grades) for the sake of learning and social engagement.

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