In its early days, the United States was beset by rumours about plots to install a monarchy. Thankfully, in George Washington it had a president who understood the power of precedent. He removed his general’s uniform and gave up power after two terms. Thus was sealed the world’s most enduring republic. More than 200 years later, the US is bracing for the most dynastic contest in its history. The chances that either Hillary Clinton or Jeb Bush will become its 45th president are high. The country’s elections are far more democratic than in Washington’s day. But there are grounds to worry that America is becoming less of a republic.
建国之初，美国盛传有人密谋要建立一个君主制国家。值得庆幸的是，美国有懂得先例威力的乔治•华盛顿(George Washington)担任首任总统。他脱去了总司令的军服，并在两届任期结束后自愿放弃了权力。就这样，世界上生命力最持久的共和国诞生了。200多年后的今天，美国正迎来其史上最有“王朝政治”气息的一场竞选。美国第45任总统有极大可能将是希拉里•克林顿(Hillary Clinton)和杰布•布什(Jeb Bush)之中的一个。如今美国的选举比华盛顿时代民主得多。但今天我们却有理由担心，美国作为共和国将变得不那么纯粹。