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The Collection·Room II · The Cited Quotes·A republic, if you can keep it.

A republic, if you can keep it. Franklin, typeset broadside

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FRANKLIN · SEPTEMBER 17, 1787

A republic, if you can keep it.

Franklin's answer as the Convention closed, recorded in James McHenry's journal: the founding's shortest job description.

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print$3818 × 24 on 100 lb cream cover · off our press · in a tube
sourceJames McHenry's journal of the Constitutional Convention, September 17, 1787
typefaceCaslon
paper100 lb cream cover, 24 x 18 (landscape)
pressThomas Graphics, Austin, Texas
edition—

As the Constitutional Convention closed on September 17, 1787, a lady asked Franklin what the delegates had made, a republic or a monarchy. His answer was recorded that day in the journal of James McHenry, delegate from Maryland. The sheet credits the journal, because that is where the words actually live.

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