"Now one of two things is true: Either a republic is a desirable form of government, or else it is not"

In this quote, Anna Howard Shaw is presenting a black and white argument about the merits of a republic as a type of federal government. She is recommending that there are just 2 possibilities: either a republic is desirable, meaning it is a great and efficient type of government, or it is not preferable and therefore unworthy pursuing. This argument streamlines the intricacy of governance and political theory, however Shaw's point is clear: there are no tones of grey when it comes to assessing the value of a republic. Whether one agrees or disagrees with her argument, it is a clear and concise declaration of her beliefs.