[NittanyLion]

If the people don't want constitutional government, why should we expect their elected representatives to make principled stands on behalf of constitutional principles?

I'm tempted to answer, "because they should be smarter/more honorable than that", but I know that certainly is not the case. I have no answer for you.

[Yardstick]

I can't think of a satisfying answer, either. That's why I've ceased to be a purist about this political stuff, as much as it runs against my grain to do so.