What is a “Constitutional Republican?” Why is ‘Constitutional’ a modifier preceding ‘Republican?’ What is the difference between a “Constitutional Republican” and a “Republican?”

A “Constitutional Republican” is a theoretically a direct descendant from the initial Republican Party that fought to fulfil the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution that protects them. “Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties. And not to Democrats alone do I make this appeal, but to all who love these great and true principles.” Abraham Lincoln-August 27, 1856 Speech at Kalamazoo, Michigan

‘Constitutional’ precedes, ‘Republican,’ because a Constitutional Republican believes in the compulsory structure identified in the Constitution’s first 7 articles. The first 3 articles identify the separated, enumerated, specific, and limited responsibilities given the legislative, executive (presidential), and judicial branches of government. The States Constitutions provide the same structure of separated, enumerated, specific, and limited responsibilities given the state legislatures, the governor’s office and the state courts.

A ‘Constitutional Republican’ supports the founder’s creation of federalism which is a system of government in which the same territory is controlled by two levels of government. Generally, an overarching national government is responsible for broader governance of larger territorial areas, while the smaller subdivisions, states, and cities govern the issues of local concern.

The difference between a ‘Constitutional Republican’ and a ‘Republican’ or ‘regular Republican,’ is that a Constitutional Republican will look to the unchanging foundation, as did Abraham Lincoln, on the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution that protects those principles whereas a ‘regular Republican’ will look to the current national, state or local party leader’s policies or platform as the formula for all Republicans to follow. A ‘Constitutional Republican’ puts principles ahead of personality, politics, and populism remembering Abraham Lincoln’s words, “The people — the people — are the rightful masters of both congresses, and courts — not to overthrow the constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert it.” September 16 and 17, 1859 Notes for Speeches at Columbus and Cincinnati

A Constitutional Republican will recognize the importance of the people’s correct understanding of the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution protecting them in order to properly fulfill their responsibility as the rightful ‘masters’ of the congresses, the executive offices and the courts. As a Constitutional Republican, we revere the rule of law which is our Constitution and hold representatives accountable to legislating constitutionally, executives executing law constitutionally, and courts making decisions constitutionally.

A Constitutional Republicans understands America cannot be first unless the Constitution is first. May all legislators, executives, and judges apply the example of the Father of our Country in their duties for We, The People. “The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.” George Washington