It's called morality and virtue. And that is what is lacking today. John Adams said our Constitution was "written for a moral and religious people and is inadequate for the govt of any other." They were also clear about the source of morality - RELIGION. Namely, the Christian religion. Only in Christ is there freedom. Freedom came out of the Christian worldview post-reformation. Before then, there was no true freedom or self-government. Self-government? What's that? Federalism is dead - long live King Federal Govt!
I agree with what you say, but christ did not say "Go and form states to spread my ideas." I like the idea of enlightened people governing themselves, of course that number would be significantly smaller than 300,000,000. On the history, the middle class or merchants (especially in northern europe) which arose concomitant with the reformation helped the cause of freedom by creating wealth, jobs and independence from the landed leige.
By suggesting that people govern themselves, do you agree that constitutions are not effective in limiting the power of the state?