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In considering the return of republicanism in the late-18th century, especially the democratic-republic in the United States, we are reminded of Tannenbaum's cautionary observation.  "Political progress does not always move forward in an inevitable direction but follow an uneven, uncertain, and at times reversible path."

What does our study of various concepts of republics, in various writing, including (for example) Machiavelli, Hobbes, Harrington, Locke, Jefferson and Madison tell us about this "uneven, uncertain," and challenging historical "progress" toward establishing a stable and enduring US republic.  What is unique in the idea and virtues of a republic that may account for it having endured the long gap between Republican Rome, the Renaissance Republics, and the 18th century.