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That constitution.

Has the United States' constitution produced political, judicial and social systems actually worthy of admiration?

ETA - has any national constitution anywhere done so?

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Thevy29 · 41-45, M

Australia has a constitution too. Only they didn't want to declare independence from Britain and were so vague in the writing so no one would think we might. Plus we don't even have a bill of Rights. At least the American one is easier to understand and they teach that stuff in school over there.

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whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@sree251 Follow the money. Who owes who what? Its not rocket science..😷

sree251 · 41-45, M

@whowasthatmaskedman You said: "Follow the money."

I know. China is holding tons of US Treasuries (i.e. debt). I have no doubt that China will grow ever larger as an economic power but right now the US is dominant and part of the western bloc. World GDP is at 96 trillion. China's 17 trillion is part of the world's western rules-based economic order. China has a hybrid capitalist/socialist economy that is easier to control and manage than the free-for-all market economies of the west. I am sure the Chinese is already prepared to deal with the next global financial earthquake of the kind that wiped out Lehman Brothers. The tsunami will stop at China's economic "Great Wall" stopping every ripple from the west. When that happens, the US dollar could collapse. So, it's not a case of who races who to the top. It's a matter of who will be the last man standing.

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@sree251 We agree apart from the fact that American "dominance" is built on printed money backed by nothing but debt. And because of that and its ability to buy up that US debt from its many trading partners cheaply when America is faltering, China will be the last man standing. I think we have covered this enough now...😷

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

There is little wrong with the US constitution. All that was required was a thoughtful updating of the language to keep it relevent. The problem with the US Constitution is the leasdership now interpreting it..😷

Bumbles · 51-55, M

As it turns out the Constitution is merely a suggestion.

Really · 80-89, M

@Bumbles Interesting comment. Lots of people seem to treat constitutions as law but are they? If so, how did they become law?

Bumbles · 51-55, M

@Really The US Constitution is the law, the supreme law of the land!
While members of Congress had the power to reject it, they voted unanimously on September 28 to forward the proposal to the thirteen states for their ratification

badminton · 61-69, MVIP

I think so. The system of checks and balances, with 3 separate co-equal branches of government, each acting as a check on the others, is a good one. This system frustrates would-be dictators.

That said, I do think the constitution has a couple of faults. The main one being the undemocratic electoral college. But even there the authors of the constitution inserted a clause that the states can choose to give all their EC votes to the winner of the popular vote. Also, I think justices of the Supreme court should have limited terms.
Other than those two things I greatly value the U.S. constitution and the Bill of Rights.

sree251 · 41-45, M

@badminton You said: "Other than those two things I greatly value the U.S. constitution and the Bill of Rights."

The US Constitution has produced a social system that thrives as a war machine. America has killed millions of people and squandered trillions of dollars on foreign wars instead of providing for the economic well-being of Americans.

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

@badminton Clearly the 'checks and balances' are designed to enable the party in office or with a majority.
Witness: Donald Trump behaving like he hasn't a care in the world when he should really be answering questions about his behaviour last time in office.
AND the Supreme Court Justices, specially selected, to 'interpret law' to ensure that he doesn't !

Really · 80-89, M

@badminton The current would-be dictator in the US is certainly frustrated. So far that hasn't been very useful or good for democracy.

ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M

Yes, sometimes. Not ideal, but often worthwhile and admirable at least in effort.

Really · 80-89, M

@ChipmunkErnie Gets an "E for effort" then?

ElwoodBlues · M

@Really "Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…"
— Winston Churchill

Really · 80-89, M

@ElwoodBluesChurchill was THE hero of my youth; leading the defence against the evil Nazis who were bombing us. But he was:
- A politician.
- Often wrong.
- A bully
- A brilliantly articulate persuader

I don't base my ideas about democracy on that catchy but overworked quote.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

No man-made institution can ever be "perfect" but some are far worse than others, and if nothing else the US Constitution - along with those of many other nations - does allow you to question or criticise it!

Really · 80-89, M

@ArishMell That's what I'm doing. Glad you approve.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@ReallyThank you - but please note that I am outside of America's internal politics.

sree251 · 41-45, M

The US Constitution is a rule book much like the Ten Commandments for the guidance of rule breakers. What it has produced is a social system dominated and run by crooks for those who believe in and are proud of the US Constitution.

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