What are some of the principles of the Constitution?
How many U.S. citizens could list most of the following principles? First, that government can only do that which the people have authorized – a major discontinuity with previous history. Second, the popular will is expressed in a governing covenant that is carefully written to avoid misunderstanding or distortion by power seekers. Ours was the first written Constitution for a large nation. Third, the rule of law. There must be no punishment unless there has been a violation of a law that was in force at the time. Fourth, due process. No one may be deprived of life, liberty or property without fair procedure. Fifth, personal guarantees in the original document and the Bill of Rights – no ex post facto law, no unreasonable search or seizure, freedom of religion_speech_press_etc. Sixth, the elimination of caste, hereditary title and special privilege legally based on birth. Why did our Constitution effectively undergird freedom? During previous history whenever a regime had enough power
