Edmund Burke, the Irish philosopher and politician, penned these words, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Burke’s statement was made in the 18th Century, but it still holds true today.

At the close of the Constitution Convention of 1787, a bystander asked Benjamin Franklin the following, “Well, Doctor, what have we got – a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin’s response was short, but telling, “A republic, if you can keep it.”

The “you” part of Franklin’s answer is important. Keeping the republic is not an obligation of someone else, rather it is duty placed upon all Americans individually.

Others keep the republic by active civil involvement, often this involves supporting a candidate or a political party. Some also serve on local government boards, advisory panels, or committees with little compensation in order to better their communities.

I applaud those who take the time to study civics and history, and to teach others the same. This past week I had the pleasure of spending some time with the We the People group from Blackfoot High School, and their teacher Holly Kartchner. The group along with the Bingham County Republican Central Committee, the Blackfoot Morning News, and the Idaho State Journal, helped sponsor a debate between the two candidates for Idaho Supreme Court.

The students asked intelligent and thought provoking questions regarding the role of the courts, and the nature of Idaho’s Constitution. These are great young people who will do their part to help keep Franklin’s republic.

However, many Americans are sadly not doing their part to keep the republic. There has been a perception that a citizen’s only duty is to vote. Voting is part of the duty of a citizen, however, more is required.

This is a year where many are upset with the candidates for President the two major parties have nominated. There are an endless number of Facebook posts and Twitter tweets complaining about Trump and Clinton. There are Democrats who are upset that Clinton used a supposedly rigged system to win the nomination, kept classified information on an unprotected email server, and abandoned citizens and an ambassador in Libya when they were under attack.

There are Republicans who are angry at Donald Trump because of his conduct in his businesses, his offensive remarks, and alleged conduct toward women.

The disappointment and frustration the voters of Idaho and the rest of the nation feel is understandable. Certainly, people have a right to express their frustration and concern.

However, there is a question the people who are upset about the major parties’ nominees should ask themselves: What did I do to help keep the republic during the primary? I think the honest answer for many will fall along the line of, “I could have done more.”

For the average citizen the opportunity to do more is plentiful. Being involved in a political campaign is one of the most valuable, and necessary ways, to help keep our republic. During the past presidential primary Republican and Democratic campaigns had many volunteer opportunities for those willing to give just a few hours. However, few took advantage of this opportunity to be more directly involved in the selection process of the major parties’ presidential nominees.

Those who are unhappy about the result of the nominating process should take a moment to realize that their lack of involvement helped create the very thing they are complaining about. In a republic the result of elections is directly related to the effort supporters of a particular candidate, or a cause, put into the process.

Perhaps 2016’s election will be a hard lesson in why engagement in the political process matters in a republic.

Dan Cravens is the Bingham County Republican Central Committee chairman.