Third C - the Constitution 

   Along with Christianity and Capitalism, our Constitution is responsible for America's success, however imperfect, say authors Mike Huckabee and Steve Feazel. 

   Its first three words - We the People - set the table for all that follows, and separated this new nation from monarchies and dictatorships. For those today who would rewrite or replace our Constitution, it is the lone document established for the benefit of its people - not for those who govern them. 

   The authors contend that most Americans have little idea how precarious was the summer of 1787. The 13 colonies had become states, united to declare independence. But could they remain one nation? 

   Our Constitution was a foundation on which the rest of the country's laws would be built. The national government had to be strong enough, but with not so much power that puts fundamental rights at risk.     

   Government was a necessity, but the founders were suspicious of it becoming so powerful that individual liberties might be jeopardized. 

   Today, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments) work to protect liberties and restrain the power of centralized government. 

   At the end of the book, the authors wrote a section, "Corruption," which exposes corruption in government and our culture, undermining the Constitution. Will the Constitution continue to withstand the test of time? 

   President John Adams said: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." 

           Jimmy