Yes, that statement is accurate. The Second Continental Congress played a crucial role in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War and the formation of the United States.
In support of republican principles, the Congress took various steps to establish a form of self-governance for the American colonies.
One key action was the creation of the Continental Army to fight against British forces. Additionally, the Second Continental Congress drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence and emphasized republican ideals, including the idea of government deriving its authority from the consent of the governed.
Furthermore, the Congress took steps to establish a central government by adopting the Articles of Confederation in 1777, which created a loose confederation of states with a unicameral legislature.
While the Articles of Confederation had weaknesses and were eventually replaced by the U.S. Constitution, this early effort marked a significant move toward establishing a republican form of government in the newly formed United States.