The Americans thought that they were imitating the English in making their Constitution upon the last principle--in having one ultimate authority for one sort of matter, and another for another sort.
Bagehot critiques the American Constitution for its division of ultimate authority, which he believes deviates from the English model.
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Subject to this saving remark, however, I not only admit, but maintain, that our Constitution is full of curious oddities, which are impeding and mischievous, and ought to be struck out.
It is natural that those who by special and admirable culture have come to look at all things upon the artistic side, should start back from these queer peculiarities.
The casual line was traced according to the strength of deceased combatants; succeeding generations fought elsewhere; and the hesitating line of a half-drawn battle was left to stand for a perpetual limit.
But it is natural also that persons used to analyse political institutions should look at these anomalies with a little tenderness and a little interest.
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