The Constitution is a document that should not violate the constitution of its citizens.
The Constitution is not a suicide pact. Constitutional restrictions on governmental power must be balanced against the need for survival of the state and its people.
The Constitution is a document that promises liberty to all within its reach, a liberty that includes certain specific rights that allow persons, within a lawful realm, to define and express their identity.
The Constitution is a document that has an appearance that promises permanency; but in the world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.
The Constitution is an illustration of the complexity of the American system in that it serves the interests of a wealthy elite, but also does enough for small property owners, for middle-income mechanics and farmers, to build a broad base of support that acts as a buffer against the blacks, the Indians, the very poor whites with a minimum of coercion and a maximum of law.