Well, before 1789 some of the Founders were considering a monarchy. Fortunately they did something rare in any age, they talked it out. Prince Henry declined and George Washington had already poo-pooed the mere idea that he himself should be crowned.
Let Freedom Reign should be the first lesson, and the second one should be that principled people refuse power for the sake of power.
In my mind, the third lesson is the most important. Good people talk out their differences and don't force others in the name of good government, the Greater Good, or the American Way. No one pays attention to that lesson anymore. We put our faith in the Great Man on a White Horse and keep begging to be saved from what the mean nasty Other Guys might do.
