Yet America’s founding myth portrays a virtuous people forging an eternal constitutional republic under divine providence and enlightened Founders. The Civil War wasn’t merely about abolition; it crushed compact theory and state sovereignty via force. The myth of the “eternal republic” papers over the progressive hollowing out of consent, federalism, and limited government. ConclusionThe myth of the “eternal republic” papers over the progressive hollowing out of consent, federalism, and limited government. America’s genius wasn’t eternal parchment magic but adaptable energy, decentralized experimentation, and skepticism of authority.