The constitution has succeeded in delivering a higher standard of life to more people than any other nation. Living in a republic, a land where the rule of law is supreme, even over the wishes of the majority, has proved a wonderful blessing to millions for generations. Second, the constitution embodies the ideas of checks and balances. No one branch of the government is all powerful. The system of balances diffuses the potential for abuse.
Abuse still occurs of course, but a mechanism is in place to deal with it when it happens.
Few other nations offer their populations such safeguards. Third, the constitution specifically enumerates protections of our most precious freedoms. This is where the rubber really meets the road in civics. The bill of rights. It is important to note that the rights the constitution refers too are not given by the bill of rights, but rather acknowledged by it.