4
The Constitution’s Deep Roots
portant and all-embracing of the many goals we pursue as a nation. The
significance of liberty, order, and justice is reflected in other constitutions
as well. Thus the constitution of the Republic of Korea (1980) asserts that
its purpose is ‘‘to consolidate national unity with justice,’’ ‘‘destroy all social vices and injustice,’’ ‘‘afford equal opportunities,’’ and ‘‘strengthen
the basic free and democratic order.’’ Portugal’s constitution (1974) seeks
to ‘‘safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens,’’ ‘‘secure the primacy of
rule of law,’’ and build a ‘‘freer, more just’’ country. The constitution of
Venezuela (1972) states that its purpose is to ensure ‘‘the freedom, peace,
and stability of its institutions,’’ and to provide for ‘‘social justice’’ and
support of ‘‘the democratic order.’