Thomas Jefferson  wrote The Declaration of Independence

“We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.  That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from consent of the governed.”

George Washington, Father of our Country

“Government is not eloquence.  It is force.  And, like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master!"

James Madison, Father of our Constitution

  “The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite.”

Benjamin Franklin, A Founding Father

When asked what kind of government had been decided upon by the Constitutional Convention. He replied: "A republic, if you can keep it.