for cM0SS (on the constitution)

The US constitution is unique in that it recognizes the sovereignty of the individual _over_ the government, and that the government derives any authority it has from the consent of the governed. It also recognized the flow of authority from God to the people to the government instead of the traditional God to government to the people.

A constitution for any nation is the codification of the powers of the government as granted by the people to be governed. The truth of the consent given by the governed varies from country to country. The structure of the US constitution is such that it is set up to be a document which strictly limits the power of the federal government to act, and enumerates the manner and methods (the powers) which are usable by that government. It also specifically limits the powers of the federal government to the enumerated powers in the 10th amendment. The 9th amendment specifically states that the people and the states retain any and all rights and powers which are not enumerated in the constitution.

There are procedures for amending the constitution, and granting additional powers, or taking powers from the government, but unless a particular power is granted, in the manner prescribed, the government DOES NOT have the authority to carry out that power.