The purpose of the Constitution is to protect us from the evils of human nature: abuse and control. The Framers saw two principal dangers threatening their newly won freedom: The first danger was that unless the powers granted to the central government were sufficient to enable it to perform its functions, the United States could not endure as a strong and united country. The second danger was that unless a way could be found to protect the people against the human nature tendencies of government officials, freedom would eventually be destroyed by the very government intended to protect it. The Framers’ attitude toward government officials is similar to that expressed in the Doctrine and Covenants in these words:
We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.
(D. & C. 121:39)
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Rulers’ Law vs Peoples’ Law.................................................................................7
Chapter 2 – The Declaration of Independence.....................................................................59
Chapter 3 – The Constitution......................................................................................................87
Chapter 4 – The 28 Principles of Good Government........................................................207
Chapter 5 – George Washington’s Farewell Address (1796).............................................224
Chapter 6 – The Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10)...........................................................244
