I don't believe the republic is dead, but I think the union is over. i can see states splitting off, some adhering to the constitution, others following the many and varied retardef policies they've embraced. California and Texas likely to be the first to go. I imagine Alaska would follow, possibly even joining with Alberta if their referendum happens. the US has been an empire for decades, just not in the traditional conquer and occupy sense. this the break up of the empire, like Rome splitting in two