Final answer:
A country may have only three effective constitutions due to the difficulty of change established by initial framers to protect their interests, the veneration of constitutions influenced by cultural and ideological beliefs, and the economic interests and political cultures that vary across the nation.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are multiple reasons why a country may have only three effective constitutions governing it. Firstly, constitutions are written by those in power with a vested interest in preserving the status quo and thus are designed to be difficult to change. This ensures that the preferences and interests of the current power holders are locked into the foundations of the country's governance, even when they might be in the minority in the future.
Another reason is the reverence and political significance ascribed to constitutions in a country's culture, as reflected in the United States, where the constitution is regarded with near-religious respect. Changes to such revered documents are not undertaken lightly due to the deep-seated cultural and ideological beliefs that shape the nation's political consciousness.
Economic factors also play a role in shaping constitutions, as the framers may seek to protect certain economic interests, while also considering the broader public interest, constituent opinions, and prevailing ideologies. Furthermore, differing political cultures within a country, such as those described by Daniel Elazar's theory, can influence attitudes towards government roles and citizen participation, affecting the structure and content of state constitutions.