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A republic, if you can keep it.

— Benjamin Franklin Attributed

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Source, in full

James McHenry diary entry on September 18,1787, the day after the signing of the United States Constitution: "A lady asked Dr. Franklin Well Doctor what we got a republic or a monarchy — A republic replied the Doctor if you can keep it."

More quotes by Benjamin Franklin

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.

Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes!

Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government; when this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved, and tyranny is erected on its ruins.

Let all Men know thee, but no man know thee thoroughly: Men freely ford that see the shallows.

Poor Richard's Almanack (1733)

Creditors have better memories than debtors; and creditors are a superstitious sect, great observers of set days and times.

Poor Richard's Almanack (1758)

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Benjamin Franklin (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.