Before the US constitution was ratified in 1789 and even since then, there’s been plenty of setbacks within our nation. The biggest set back before the constitution was fully engaged were the Articles of Confederation. The Article of confederation became established because many citizens were afraid of a too powerful central government (like the British monarchy).
But the Articles were just too weak and created many problems such as; a weak national government, congress had no power for tax or regulate commerce, no common currency, each state only received one vote, and there stood only one branch- legislative. Since the Articles were pretty much useless, a Constitutional Convention was held. At the 1787 convention, important delegates voted to come up with a new and stronger Federal Government with three branches; executive, judicial and legislative. Also, with a system of checks and balances to ensure no single branch would have too much power. A Federal government is one with balanced power between states and a national government.
Other than America, the Constitution has influenced other countries as well; Mexico especially. Mexico’s Constitution became similar to the American Constitution. It has the same structure of federal government, granted equal citizenship rights to all races, and has also grown with a changing Mexico. Our framework of government has been flexible enough because it can be interpreted by the Judicial branch and amended by the legislative branch. It has also given enough flexible power to lead to our President. Politically, financially, and socially our Constitution brings stability over time.
For more information- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Constitution
