Maybe because the constitution was viewed only as a set of bylaws. You don't put principles in bylaws. The Constitution, after all, was replacing the Articles of Confederation --it wasn't a founding document in their own right, but didn't come along until, if memory serves, around 1787. The function of the constitution was just to set up a different working relationship between the states and the very limited federal government. Simply a contract between the states (see Article seven), not in any way a declaration of principles.
And, of course, as we all know from high school history, the Constitution was an illegal document anyhow. Still is. If we really were a nation of laws, we would still be operating under the Articles of Confederation, which have never been lawfully replaced.
Oh, BTW, while also just a contract, the Articles of Confederation do provide that "Whereas it hath pleased the Great Governor of the world to incline the hearts of the legislatures we respectfully represent in Congress . . ." Which is a considerably more deist statement, direct from the founding fathers, than arguing over the year of our Lord. |
