Has the US Constitution been used as a model for other world democracies and should it be used in the future as a model?
This is not about US Politics today or how the US does or does not conduct itself throughout the World. Rather, what do you think of the US Constitution in it's purest form as a model for other democracies? Is it a good "Role" model or not and why or why not.
International Level: Diplomat / Political Participation: 320 32%
QUOTE |
, what do you think of the US Constitution in it's purest form as a model for other democracies? Is it a good "role" model or not and why or why not. |
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 1089 100%
QUOTE |
I think maybe would be appropiate that somebody can post a link where we can read some of the US constitution online and then form an opinion |
International Level: Diplomat / Political Participation: 320 32%
QUOTE |
what do you think of the US Constitution in it's purest form as a model for other democracies? |
International Level: Ambassador / Political Participation: 595 59.5%
I think our constitution worked for us,but I could not say the same for any one else that was trying to establish a 'constitution'.
When it was written we lived in a different world. I could go on about this but......I wont. I will just say that America in the 1700's- the 1890's would have been so fantastic to live in(harsh,but fantastic none the less).True freedom in all its glory.
A Constitution should be based upon natural law and so, as that does not change, I would question the validity of the argument that relevance is somehow determined by time. Whether the Information Age or "Horse and Biggy days", the nature of man, and the nature of the principles of government have not changed one whit.
I believe the Constitution is an amazing document and that the world would be served greatly if its countries were to decide to base their governments upon the principles contained in the US Constitution.
I should also point out that the Framers rejected "democracies" and espoused the governmental form called a republic; though the democratic principle was part of it, it could not overule the rule of law (i.e. the natural law).
Sadly both America and other English-speaking countries based on the Anglo-Saxon freemen society, have largely rejected these beautiful principles and fallen for the false promises of the tyrannies of old.
Dubhdara.
International Level: Junior Politician / Political Participation: 100 10%
I agree that the US Constitution is its original form has a lot of merit as a 'blueprint' for other nations to build upon. But since then, with so many Amendments etc, what is the US Constitution today is not one that is based on 'natural laws' but has evolved to cater to groups with vested interests in particular so-called rights. These are more cultural or philosophical in nature, and as such, would not necessarily be a good guide for other governments to follow.
I see a lot of the Amendments taking on a stronger role in the American society than the original pure Constitution. And if we take the US Constitution as a whole, with all its Amendments and Bills, then I don't think its a good blueprint to use. Even the US states and territories do not embrace in whole a common Constitution but a localized version. Likewise, I think the US Constitution in its original form is a strong foundation for governments to follow but must be adjusted to respect local cultures, traditions and flavors.
Myfireduck,
Although there are certainly bad Amendments (most of them made in the last 100 years), I think that the two main reasons why the Constitution is perceived as worse than it is today are: (1) Government ignores parts it doesn't like, and (2) Judges interpret it wrongly.
I think it a good idea that states (or local governmental areas) retain their own sovereignty and thus have their own constitutions. This divides power down and keeps a check on the central government.
As I have studied the Constitution, the writings of the Framers, and many of the writing and freedom documents of Great Britain, I cannot help but feel the hand of God in those words and concepts. What a pity that today, both in England and America, people have largely forgotten their heritage and are turning away from these things...
Genuine culture and heritage can, in my opinion, only be a good thing as it gives identity to a people and I am all for that, and not for the false unity the world seeks to impose. A just government is always based on the sovereignty and individuality of the individual.
International Level: Junior Politician / Political Participation: 100 10%