This would make clearer the fundamental goals of the Constitution, such as preventing despotism. No doubt a fine improvement. But more far-reaching reforms based on a realistic understanding of human nature are needed. First , the current citizenship test reflects a schoolmarm's bias toward book-learning rather than what really motivates love of country. In reality, of course, the average person's most visceral loyalties are not to words, but to the other people, living and dead, in the group to which he belongs.
Soldiers sometimes enlist to defend ideals.
But when the bullets are flying, they don't charge machine guns to preserve the separation of powers. They risk their lives for the other guys in their platoon. What best builds group-cohesion is working together for a common goal. As Hollywood WWII movies loved to show, sharing a foxhole forged solidarity among mutually suspicious white ethnics. If we don't strenuously emphasize loyalty and sacrifice toward one's fellow American citizens, human beings will naturally gravitate toward promoting their racial group and class.