“That our government should have been maintained in its original form from its establishment until now is not much to be wondered at. It had many props to support it through that period, which now are decayed and crumbled away. Through that period, it was felt by all to be an undecided experiment; now, it is understood to be a successful one.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
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Quote
“That our government should have been maintained in its original form from its establishment until now is not much to be wondered at. It had many props to support it through that period, which now are decayed and crumbled away. Through that period, it was felt by all to be an undecided experiment; now, it is understood to be a successful one.”
Explanation
In this statement, Abraham Lincoln reflects on the evolution of the United States government from its uncertain beginnings to its more established and accepted form. He acknowledges that, at the time of its founding, the U.S. government was viewed as an “undecided experiment,” with the outcome uncertain due to the challenges it faced—both internally (with differing regional interests, including the issue of slavery) and externally (with threats from foreign powers). The “props” Lincoln refers to are the various supportive factors that helped sustain the government in its early years, such as the commitment to democracy and the sense of shared ideals among the nation’s leaders.
Lincoln contrasts this early uncertainty with the present understanding of the U.S. government as a successful experiment, highlighting the significance of the nation’s survival and growth. Over time, the government had proven its ability to adapt and endure despite challenges, and the Constitution had become more widely respected and effective in maintaining order and protecting freedoms. This shift from “undecided experiment” to “successful” was achieved through moments of crisis and reform, such as the Civil War and the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation, which redefined the nation’s principles and solidified its commitment to equality.
In modern contexts, this statement can be seen as a reflection on the resilience of democratic systems. Just as Lincoln saw the American government moving from an uncertain experiment to a successful model, contemporary democratic systems also face moments of doubt and challenge. Lincoln’s words remind us of the enduring strength of the Constitution and democratic principles, even in times of crisis, and encourage us to view challenges as opportunities for growth and reaffirmation of core values. The success of the U.S. government over time can be a model for other nations working to strengthen their own democratic systems.
