The U.S. Constitution, as originally drafted and adopted, was not perfect. And before anyone gets all defensive, consider such items as the three-fifths article, the lack of specificity about the Supreme Court, and the clumsy election of a president and vice president, among other things. What it did get perfect, though, and what has kept our democracy strong, is the balance of power established by the three branches of government. That critical principle is now very much in danger.

And our representatives in Washington are to blame.