Has the constitution lost it's meaning over the years since it was written in 1787

I was listening to some people the other day and we had been talking about how the constitution been more of just a piece of paper more than a guide of how our government should work. I disagree I think the constitution still has a giant influence in our country. Let me start by saying thank you for being the pro in this debate, now on to the patriot act it was decided very long ago that certain rights can be taken away in times of war or if you are using your rights to harm others. The patriot act is another way of keeping us safe. It's like you a friend and two other people are in the room. Lets think for a moment that you are the government and your friend is the United States the other two are terrorist. You over hear them talking about when Your friend gets back they are going to beat him over the head and murder him. Well you warn your friend and that way is prepared and can now fight back. The patriot act is just like that, They listen in and when they believe a phrase you say is a threat and could harm America then they jump in and help. Even so the Constitution clearly states "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense. " Not once has a criminal trial come up where this right has been violated. Not lets move on to the Butler Act of 1925, As it states in the Constitution "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." But where does the line of power get drawn? Obviously the Act of 1925 was not congress' doing more it was a states decision let's make something clear, the power the government holds over the states is noticeable but the states control what happens in themselves. If the Constitution's influence hadn't been there the man would not have been appealed at all. Finally let's move on to your death penalty argument. Innocent men that have been put on death row ( God rest their souls) we can blame the attorneys. The men innocent obviously had something that stuck out like a swore thumb you cant not blame the influence of the constitution on the quality of the investigation. lethal injection does not cause pain, the only pain caused is if the man sticking the needle in misses. "nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." This is not cruel it is retribution it does not hurt him /her. I have made my point the Constitutions influence in this country has not been lost. If it had been, why is lethal injection painless? Why was the Butler Act of 1925 repealed? If anything people are starting to look to the Constitution much more now. They use it as a governing body. SOURCES http://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org... http://www.ratical.org... http://www2.scholastic.com...