William de Berg The United States Constitution, despite some initial flaws necessary to achieve a consensus and jumpstart the new American republic (e.g., the provision counting slaves as 3/5 of a person), is one of the great documents in history and has served the nation well during the almost 250 years since its inception.  But, lots of nations, even dictatorships, have impressive Constitutions on paper, promising human rights, free elections, and the rule of law. What transforms the ideals of any Constitution into the reality of a thriving, successful democracy…
