I think the founders understood fully that human nature is capable of unspeakable evil and that is why they constructed a government that is subject to itself in three branches and the governed, ultimately.
They also knew that people would likely sit on their asses and let it become a Leviathan which is why they said, "...if you can keep it."
I happen to think the posting of the Declaration of Independence of FR is very inspiring and I hope it really does inspire Americans to take control of this government so that it will function the way it was intended to.
Pope Benedict XVI spoke of America's "Vocation in history." He understands our role throughout the world. It's time to wake up and grow up.
Nicely put.
Your comments are appropriate and accurate. The following is a quote from Federalist 55: “As there is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust, so there are other qualities in human nature which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence. Republican government presupposes the existence of these qualities in a higher degree than any other form.”