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  1. Podcasts/
  2. The American Idea/
  3. Why Did the Founders Create a Republic?
July 29, 2026
The American Idea•July 29, 2026

•Episode length: 40m

Ashbrook Center

Why Did the Founders Create a Republic?

Episode length: 40m

Subscribe to The American IdeaSubscribe

America is often called a democracy, sometimes a democratic republic, and probably less-often a republic. But to be precise, the American system of constitutional government, first in the original 13 states, then in the general government, and since 1787, consists of a series of republics. Each state is a republic, and the national (or general, or federal) government is, as well.

But what exactly is a republic, and does it matter? What is republican (little R) government, and what did the Founders see in it that was superior to a democracy? What qualities did they see in their fellow Americans, and hope to see in their progeny - us?

Professor of Political Science Jim Stoner, of Louisiana State University, discusses the difference between a republic and a democracy, and how the Founders understood republicanism as both a system and a set of civic values.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

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Homepage: https://ashbrook.org/the-american-idea-podcast/

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Hosted by Jeff Sikkenga

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