Federalism is a good compromise between strong national
government and decentralisation (required do to diversity)
Text has adapted to changes in American society
Demanding amendment process has
usually prevented ill-conceived amendments
Enumerated rights and freedoms have been protected
Judicial review has made it even more
adaptable - 'interpretative amendment'
No!
Formal amendment is very difficult, even with majority support
Judicial review gives unelected justives too much power
Some parts are outdated (electoral college, second
amendment, congress' power to declare war etc.)
The Founding Fathers wanted to prevent factions, but
the Constitution institutionalises gridlock -
bipartisanship has been replaced by hyperpartiasnship
Global foreign policy significance of the US
unexpected - growth of presidential power