Why do we have a Constitution at all?

[msc545]

I think that it exists in large part to keep the powerful in check and avoid tyranny.

[MisterWack]

The United States Constitution exists due to the grievances listed in regards to King George presented in The Declaration of Independence and success of The American Revolution.

Our Republic with Democratic Values was founded on the idea of elected representatives to represent the people, that those people have certain inalienable rights endowed to them by their creator such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Meaning once you are born, you have rights as a citizen of the free world under the jurisdiction of The United States.

The Constitution holds everyone to those ideas even our elected representatives, they must follow that code and if they don’t, they are unconstitutional and against the will of the people. That is why we have Constitution in such high regard, or at least we used to.

[OneViewpoint]

A piece of paper does not keep corrupt people in check. Criminal fascists don’t care about grandiose ideas about democracy. They care about how much they can take before someone cuts their hands off.

[msc545]

Problem is, there is nobody to cut their hands off and nobody to even threaten them.

[OneViewpoint]

That is my point about a piece of paper filled with noble words. At some point that has to be backed up with physical restraints like a bullet. Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Franco, Putin, and the Un family, or tRump don't respond to noble intangible ideas. They only respond to imminent physical threats.

[MontBlanc]

A Constitution exists to set the rules for how a country operates.

It defines powers, limits government, protects rights, and provides a framework so society runs fairly. Without it, there’s no clear law, no accountability, and no agreed-upon way to resolve conflicts.

Think of it as a blueprint for stability and order , the foundation everyone in the country is supposed to follow.

[RandomGirl42]

It seemed like a good idea 200 years ago?

[msc545]

200 years ago, it was a really good idea. Actually, even now it's a really good idea. The problem is that nobody is paying attention to it.

[Sevenpointfive]

yeah. you can't just change the government. we the people are not okay with that. the constitution is more important than a religious text because this bible is for all religions/people.

actually they might be open to it, seeing as how we were allowed to get here? i mean who would even go about drafting a new one? i suppose that would be a platform to run on?

[NathanDavis]

I know that it exists in large part to keep the people in check and preserve the power of the powerful...

[lightbulb27]

To avoid the chaos we are heading into, the seeds of which were sown in 1913 and 1970 ish.

It's in effect, a temporary restraining order on power.

[msc545]

It's a temporary restraining order and powerful only if people abide by it and only if it's the laws that it consists of are enforced. At this time, I don't think people are abiding by it. And I think that the laws that it consists of are not evenly or reasonably enforced.

[lightbulb27]

I recall hearing others say that was true in prior administrations; e. g. patriot act, which I believe is still in force. Deterioration is a process. Then there's WWII internment of japanese citizens, etc..
There's reasons for bowling over it... it's convenient and faster to make decisions. It's almost hard to remember how much work it was in congress to get decisions made. Congress now, is nearly useless.

The problem here in my view is all about the debt and division of wealth caused by corrupt currency and crony capitalism... e. g. bailout out rich. Read Ray Dalio, history shows repeat processes resulting in tyrants... which is what we have now. He looks good to some, and awful to others.

Next up... is capital wars...

Lets hope it turns out less violent this time, but I am not impressed by what I see of humanity.

[msc545]

yes...

[exitseven]

It is a framework to maintain our country. It preserves people's rights and it insures that one branch of the government can get too powerful. It provides with a way to evolve over time if necessary. After 250 years, so far so good.

[msc545]

I think you said it and true is that one branch of the government can get to powerful? I think you were inadvertently correct about this, although it's not the fault of the Constitution.

[exitseven]

I can't type.. i wanted to say it can;t.

[msc545]

Understood. Thank you.

[exitseven]

yor welocem

[DryGermanGuy]

It’s the „rule book“! 🧐

https://youtu.be/QQgZ7eSwj20?si=AR66unKKTMYVIumP

[DrPepper12]

It's MAGA tp