happy birthday

On September 17, 1787, 39 representatives from 13 states signed the Constitution of the United States.
Ratification actually was not an easy thing to do, but 206 years later, this document is the world’s oldest written constitution still in effect.
The Constitution’s checks and balances limits the power of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. The Bill of Rights protects personal liberties. For its flaws and inadequacies, this document remains today because of our ability to amend it and because of a simple practicality that keeps it adaptable to extraordinary and always-changing times.
Take a look at this Constitution: http://memory.loc.gov/const/const.html (link off Thomas legislative website).
Skim over the document and get to know what so many people have died to protect and serve.