[William Terrell]

With its initial implementation, yes. But the ratification of the 14th and 17th amendments paved the way to the destruction of that concept.

I mean, do you agree with the concept of a "republic" in that its distinguishing feature is a constitution that defines the limits of the government within bounds?

[robertpaulsen]

"I mean, do you agree with the concept of a "republic" in that its distinguishing feature is a constitution that defines the limits of the government within bounds?"

Of course. I believe the U.S. Constitution was written to define the limits of the federal (not state) government.

State constitutions define the limits of each state. That was the original intent of the Founding Fathers.