Oddbean new post about login | logout The problem is that a piece of paper is insufficient to support the implementation of the penalties, no matter how severe they may be. That's why the founders set it up so that they would great the people. The fingers knew that if the government stopped fearing the actual people no piece of paper would ever do it for us.
That piece of paper doesn't enforce rights. Obviously that's just the rules. People must pursue remedy of violation of their rights in court. Although most are corrupt, the more of us who stand up (without a lawyer, because there is much more you can do), the more that says to them: "This needs to change." It also helps to know that there are many more adults in the appeallate/supreme courts. Fixing your local area is easier. It only takes a few in each county to make a difference.
We can't trust the federal government to make sure the federal government doesn't break the rules. Although I would prefer the people to be in charge, it isn't practical. We need the states to be able to overrule anything the Federal government does and punish any federal politicians who break their oaths. Although it isn't explicit, I believe that was the understanding when the constitution was written. We need to get back to the states being a check on the federal government instead of purely subservient to the federal government. Going back to states appointing senators would also help.
And the counties a check on the states.
Absolutely. Bring the power back closer to the people.