Ben Franklin, upon leaving the Constitutional Convention held at Philadelphia in 1787, was approached by some citizens asking him what type of government the delegates had formed. Franklin replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Wise Ben understood that politicians can be blindsided by success. Moreover, this founding father knew that political systems are often more fragile than walking on eggs.Many events have threatened our republic since America gained its independence from England in the Revolutionary War nearly two-and-a-half centuries ago.