Old myths of our constitutional system (Part 1 of 4)

November 29, 12:58 PMPolitical Issues ExaminerJudah Freed

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The Consitution as a Cure .

Just as individuals need a firm system of moral rules to govern our actions responsibly, such rules for governments are called “constitutions.” Constitutions keep our governments from being organized crime.

As we prepare for the new administration of President-elect Barack Obama we live in a democratic republic, since the U.S. government rules our lives, we need to understand the constitution ruling our government. We also need to recognize how a constitution can fail to protect our rights and liberties. Without this understanding, how can we stop being crime victims?

The constitutions of most modern republics are based on the U.S. Constitution. Although inspired by Athenian democracy, the Roman republic and the Iroquois confederacy, the U.S. Constitution mainly was modeled on the English Constitution. Both are noble documents, given the brutal times when they arose. In an age of absolute kings, the British and American constitutional republics appeared on earth like a glorious divine rescue from despotism.

Yet the British and American constitutions are the flawed products of political compromises deals. As a result, both systems of government are so complex that we might suffer for years without ever learning the cause of our ailments. Every political physician will advise a different medicine. If the prescription is public safety, the only sure means for a government to guarantee total security is to turn totalitarian.

Absolute governments, while the disgrace of human nature, have the advantage that they are simple. If the people suffer, they know the source of their suffering, and they know the remedy. The people are not bewildered by a variety of causes and cures.

A solution is self evident. First, remove the master from authority. Absolutist leaders use cult psychology to stay in power, so the second step is helping the True Believers to give up groupthink conformity. In time, those programmed to obey learn to trust their own wisdom.

True republican governments, however, require citizens to exercise personal and social responsibility in the wise selection of their leaders. How can any constitution guarantee the wisdom of the people

Read Part 1 - The Consitution as a Cure
Read Part 2 - The President and Congress
Read Part 3 - The Judicial Branch
Read Part 4 - The Separation of Powers

Adapted from the book Global Sense by Judah Freed.

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