We are a Republic.
The first in modern times.
We are a Republic built upon a hill.
They said it couldn't be done; that it shouldn't be done. Not upon a hill. It was too dangerous.
The wise men who constructed the Republic listened sincerely. They were chary of democracy's flood waters as well.
So they constructed a dam. They constructed the dam with the materials of the earth to hem in democracy's waters.
The dam held and the flood tide of democracy was made a placid lake and there were sailboats in the sky. It was a miracle.