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An Analysis of the Systemic Structure of the U.S. Constitution Providing New Insight into the Fragmentation and Conflict Facing U.S. Society and Providing Guidance Towards More Effective Governance

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  • Steven E. Wallis

Abstract

To a great extent, the effectiveness of a government may be traced to its constituting documents which serve as a guide or map for how it is supposed to function. From a systems perspective, we may expect a more systemic Constitution to inform the operation of a government that is more systemic and so more effective. This paper uses Integrative Propositional Analysis (IPA) to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the systemic structure of the US Constitution. The analysis finds that the US Constitution has a vanishingly low level of structure. This previously unrecognized lack of structure provides a new explanation for why the nation is increasingly misgoverned (and/or more difficult to govern) and why divisions are deepening between partisan groups, leading to argument and conflict. A path forward is suggested to develop a more systemic Constitution and more effective governance; one supporting a more just, prosperous, and sustainable society.

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  • Steven E. Wallis, 2022. "An Analysis of the Systemic Structure of the U.S. Constitution Providing New Insight into the Fragmentation and Conflict Facing U.S. Society and Providing Guidance Towards More Effective Governance," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(1), pages 30-43, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:39:y:2022:i:1:p:30-43
    DOI: 10.1002/sres.2770
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cristine Clercy, 2015. "Uncertainty and the General Interest in the American Constitution: Testing the “Veil of Ignorance” Hypothesis in Constitutional Choice," Studies in Public Choice, in: Louis M. Imbeau & Steve Jacob (ed.), Behind a Veil of Ignorance?, edition 127, chapter 0, pages 85-101, Springer.
    2. Steven E. Wallis, 2020. "Orthogonality: Developing a structural/perspectival approach for improving theoretical models," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(2), pages 345-359, March.
    3. Bernadette Wright & Steven E. Wallis, 2015. "Using Integrative Propositional Analysis for Evaluating Entrepreneurship Theories," SAGE Open, , vol. 5(3), pages 21582440156, September.
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