The Constitution
“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.”
— Patrick Henry
Tags: government, perfect government, political philosophy, political science, politics, society, utopia
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My Perfect Government 
June 18, 2010 at 8:26 am
Constitution is an instrument to guarantee the rights of the people. We have terrible experiences in the past how constitution was used to intimidate people.
June 19, 2010 at 7:10 am
Interesting blog. I like the way you keep the postings short. Good ideas to ponder.
July 5, 2010 at 5:33 am
Can I just say I love the idea for this blog? Well done.
As for constitutions it’s quite an American notion to assume constitutions are checks on executive power. I don’t agree with this really – they describe where power lies (at least in theory) but constitutions have never been a barrier on determined governments undermining responsible government. The constitutions of the Soviet Union looked remarkably democratic on paper and awarded the people bountiful rights and liberties but they were never observed.
July 6, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Thank you maldencapell.
I agree with you that Constitutions can only do so much in guiding governments, as a determined government will find a way to complete its agenda, whether unconstitutional or not. The real check on government must come from the people, either in non-compliance or other actions.