Final answer:
An ideal constitution should be adaptable to remain effective over time, balancing present needs with the ability to evolve as society changes. The U.S. Constitution was intentionally designed with general rules and principles, allowing for flexible interpretation to ensure its longevity and relevance.
Step-by-step explanation:
An ideal constitution should have the quality of being adaptable because future needs are largely unknown. This adaptability is essential in meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the 19th century, the Constitution was seen as a set of unchanging laws, but by the 20th century, scholars and jurists advocated for a more flexible interpretation, aligning with changing times and needs.
The framers of the Constitution set about making a set of general rules, understanding that specificity could hinder the governing ability at national and local levels. They emphasized establishing principles such as Popular Sovereignty and Limited Government while consciously leaving room for interpretation to ensure that the document remains relevant and resilient over time.
Significantly, the Founding Fathers were intentionally vague in some parts of the Constitution to prevent drastic limitations on the power of the new government or the rights of the people. Factors such as creating a fertile ground for democratic growth, balancing the power among states, and the idea of locking in preferences by the drafters to ensure the document's durability all contributed to the necessity of its designed adaptability.