Why is federal constitution short and why has it amended so few times?

Answer 1

The Constitution was originally made to last a long time. A lot of thought went into making the laws so that they would apply to any time. Amendments are only made for really important and drastic changes.

Answer 2

It is difficult to have an amendment added or removed from the constitution. The proposal of the amendment requires 2/3 of both the House of Representatives and 2/3 of the Senate or by a constitutional convention called by 2/3 of the state legislatures. The amendment proposal is then put to a vote in the states and becomes part of the constitution once it passes 4/4 of the states.

Answer 3

In Federalist #10, Madison warns about the tyranny of factions, and how a Federal form (federalism) of government would serve to keep factions in check. That idea was transferred over to the amendment process. Federalism divides power between central (national) government and state governments. The amendment process does the same-26 of the 27 Amendments were passed by a process of approval by 2/3 vote of both houses of Congress (central government approval) and 3/4 of the State legislatures concurring (state government approval). So, any issue that does not seem of national importance will not meet the first criteria (2/3 approval of both houses of Congress) and any issue still has to be received well by 3/4 of the States.

Answer 4

AnswerThe Federal Constitution was so short, because the founders wanted it to only be a framework for a new government.

Answer 5

Because it is so dang hard to change it!