An Outline of American Government [antikvár]

PAKTI: THE CONSTTTUTION"... A CONSTITUTION INTENDEDTO ENDUREFORAGES TO COME, AND CONSEQU ENTLY, TO BEADAPTEDTOtHE VAROUS CRISES OF HUMÁN AFFAIRS." JOHN MARSHALL Chief JusUce of the Supreme Court McCulloch v.Maryland, 1819 THEBASIS OFTHE AMERICAN REPIBLIC The Constitution of the United States is the central instrument of American government and the supreme law of the land. For 200 years, it has guided the evolution of governmental institutions and has provided the basis for political stability, individual freedom, economic growth and social progress. The American Constitution is the world's oldest written constitution in force, one that has served as the model for a number of other constitutions around the world. The Constitution owes its staying power to its simplicity and flexibility. Originally designed to provide a framework for governing four millión people in 13 very different colonies along the Atlantic coast, its basic provisions were so soundly conceived that, with only 26 amendments, it now serves the needs of more than 240 millión people in 50 even more diverse states that