For over two centuries, the American Constitution established the foundation of democratic government. It can undoubtedly be considered the most reliable and longest-lasting piece of document in the history of government. The Constitution, adopted in 1789, created a framework that secured the nation¡¯s interests, promoted its commerce, and also maintained unity as a nation. Although ratifying it and building trust and confidence in it took a while, the foundation that the Constitution was built upon created a strong national government. This strong foundation or framework nevertheless is of great importance yet the secret to its success can be greatly attributed to the flexibility of the Constitution allowed by its structure.
             The Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia in May of 1787, led to the ending of the Articles of Confederation and the birth of the Constitution. It cannot be argued that the Constitution was the result of the failures of the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation undoubtedly had good virtues but was concerned primarily with limiting the powers of the national government. Under it, Congress was given power to declare war, borrow money and trade but it left out two of the most important features that a strong government required: power to levy taxes and regulate commerce. Overall, the Articles of Confederation was merely a formality required after the Declaration of Independence. ¡° Not only was there no executive, there was also no judiciary authority and no means of enforcing Congress¡¯ will. If there was to be any enforcement at all, it would be done for the Congress by the states¡±, (Lowi, 33).
             Thus came the demand for a new contract or later called the American Constitution, simply stated: ¡° The people would give their consent to a strong national government if that government would in turn accept certain strict limitations on its powers¡±, (Lowi, 70). This exc...