We Are Living in the Fourth American Republic

The original American republic established in the late 18th century no longer exists. It argues that the constitutional order of the founding fathers has been fundamentally altered through a series of revolutions and changes in governance over the years, culminating in what the author describes as the Fourth American Republic.

• Decline of the Original Constitution: The author asserts that many conservatives mistakenly believe that the original constitution is still relevant today. This idea is contrasted with the claim that the constitution as it was understood a century ago has been effectively abandoned.

• Changing Interpretations: It is stated that the meaning of the U. S. constitution has shifted dramatically over time. The current understanding, dictated by modern federal judges, bears little resemblance to the interpretation of the constitution in the early 1800s.

• Historical Revolutions: The essay outlines several revolutions that have transformed the U. S. governance structure:

1. Counterrevolution against the Articles of Confederation: Early American leaders centralized power against the decentralized system favored during the Revolutionary War.

2. Civil War's Effects: The Civil War established a principle of unity that negated the ability of states to secede, fundamentally changing the relationship between the federal government and states.

3. Progressive Era Changes: New policies established a stronger central government, including the introduction of the federal income tax and the establishment of the Federal Reserve.

4. New Deal Evolution: This era marked the rise of the administrative state, where the New Deal’s legislation expanded federal reach deeper into American life.

• Lack of Self-Recognition: The author highlights a tendency among Americans to remain unaware of these changes, often clinging to nostalgic beliefs about the founding principles of the nation.

• Modern Federal Power: Today, the author claims that there is no true member-state sovereignty and that checks and balances, originally envisioned by the founders, have been effectively dismantled.

• Four Republics Concept: The author argues that the United States has undergone four distinct republics:

1. First Republic (1776-1788)

2. Second Republic (1787-1865)

3. Third Republic (1865-1910)

4. Fourth Republic (1937-present)

The piece emphasizes that the 'American experiment' as conceived by the founders is largely an illusion today. The writer stresses that the current system operates under a massive federal administrative state that has redefined the relationship between citizens and the government. Many who claim to support the original constitution are living in an imagined past rather than confronting the realities of the present-day governance structure. The notion that the constitutional order from the founding years can or should be preserved is characterized as unrealistic given the profound changes that have taken place. 

https://mises.org/mises-wire/we-are-living-fourth-american-republic