America's Founders had just declared themselves free of a tyrannical government. They were determined that such tyranny would never be repeated in this land. Their new charter of government - the Constitution - carefully defined the powers delegated to government. The Founders were determined to bind down the administrators of the federal government with Constitutional chains so that abuse of power in any of its branches would be prevented. The revolutionary idea of separation of powers, although unpopular at first, became a means by which this was to be accomplished. John Adams, in a letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush, stated: "I call you to witness that I was the first member of Congress who ventured to come out in public, as I did in January 1776, in my 'Thoughts on Government,' ...in favor of a government with three branches, and an independent judiciary..." By the time the Constitution was adopted, the idea was supported by all of the members of the Convention. James Madison, the father of the Constitution, devoted five Federalist Papers (47-51) to an explanation of how the Executive, Legislative, and judicial branches were to be wholly independent of each other, yet bound together through an intricate system of checks and balances. Madison believed that keeping the three branches separated was fundamental to the preservation of liberty. He wrote:
Nice to have print of Independence Hall on the cover versus a Founding Father's mug shot ever reminding us to "place principles before personalities."
"I hope we shall... crush in it's birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength and bid defiance to the laws of our country." - Thomas Jefferson
Mercy Otis Warren wrote in Observations on the New Constitution:
“...[G]government is instituted for the protection, safety, and happiness of the people, and not for the profit, honour or private interest of any man, family, or class of men...the origin of all power is in the people, and they have an incontestable right to check the creatures of their own creation, vested with certain powers to guard the life, liberty and property of the community."
We tend to accept that people in authority must be right. It's this assumption that Socrates wanted us to challenge by urging us to think logically about the nonsense they often come out with, rather than being struck dumb by their aura of importance and air of suave certainty.
“We live in a system that espouses merit, equality, and a level playing field, but exalts those with wealth, power, and celebrity, however gained.” ― Derrick Bell, Ethical Ambition: Living a Life of Meaning and Worth
I buy 100 at a time and give them away to anyone that will take one.
An organization that I am involved in called Grandparents for Kids (G4K) does book readings at local libraries and schools. When appropriate to the book and theme of the reading we review the Constitution and Declaration and offer booklets such as yours and some other organizations. They enjoy getting the booklets as they respond to questions and discussions about the documents. They are amazed that the "large" ideas can be expressed in such a small and compact booklet.
I have ordered, and received these, several times, and am always happy with the quick service.