If a person will take the time to read "The Constitutional Journal", by Jeffrey St John, published in 1987, I promise you will be well rewarded by an enhanced understanding of the devlopment of our Constituion. Some 50 or so representatives of (most of) the 13 original states met continuously from mid May until mid September to discuss and debate ideas which culminated in the Constitution, replacing the Articles of Confederation which had ineffectually provided some unified form of government for about 10yrs. I believe one of the most obvious observations is that, though they were able to compromise and come together to create the Constitution, there were fundamental philosophical differences of opinion from the start which continue through to today. I read it as a struggle between to create a form of government which can save it from itself - thus the three branches and several other conventions which are designed to provide cross-checks and counterbalances. The framers of the Constitution realized they were not perfect and that "power corrupts". It will only be by constant vigilance and the freedom and exercise of our just liberties that we will continue to have this most unique institution which stands as a beacon amongst the history of the world's great kingdoms and nations - proving that self-government (while not perfect) can work and the best system so far contrived. May we long continue to disagree and yet come to workable compromises of the people, by the people for the people.