“32 Constitutions in 100 Years” – The ONLY Difference Between Criminals and the Government

In this thought-provoking analysis of constitutional stability and its impact on governance, Patrick Bet-David explores how the U.S. Constitution has provided a foundation of consistency and freedom unmatched by most other nations. When governments can access unchecked power, the descent into tyranny and criminality is short and violent…which is why our defenses against this are more important than ever.

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A History of Constitutional Instability

The discussion begins with Brazil, a country that has had seven constitutions in the last 100 years, a symptom of political instability and corruption. Other nations with frequent constitutional changes include Dominican Republic (32), Venezuela (26), and Haiti (24). The pattern suggests that frequent constitutional overhauls often lead to weakened institutions and increased executive power.

In contrast, the United States, despite being a relatively young country (approaching its 250-year anniversary in 2026), has the oldest written constitution in the world—a document that has remained intact since 1789, with only 27 amendments. Patrick cites this longevity as a key reason why the U.S. remains a global leader in personal freedoms and governmental checks and balances.

The Constitution as a Check on Power

One of the video’s core arguments is that the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from tyranny, as highlighted in a quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson:
“The two enemies of the people are criminals and the government. So let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so it does not become the legalized version of the first.”

Even Jefferson, a founding father, grew frustrated with the Constitution when it limited his power as president (1801-1809), stating that constitutions should naturally expire every 19 years. This tension reflects the true purpose of the Constitution: to restrain government power, even against those who originally supported it.

Freedom of Speech: A Unique American Privilege

Patrick presents a comparative analysis of free speech protections worldwide. While many countries claim to uphold free speech, most impose restrictions through hate speech laws and government-enforced censorship:

• United States: Free speech is fully protected, with no government-imposed hate speech laws or arrests.
• Canada, Germany, Brazil, India, Norway: Free speech exists, but hate speech laws allow governments to prosecute individuals.
• Japan: Free speech is constitutional, and while hate speech laws exist, arrests do not occur.

PBD argues that the U.S. is the only country where free speech is fully protected, despite private platform restrictions.

The Right to Bear Arms: A Constitutional Rarity

Another major distinction is private gun ownership as a constitutional right. Out of 193 countries with constitutions, only three explicitly protect gun ownership:

1. United States (explicit right to bear arms, no restrictive gun laws)
2. Mexico (constitutional right, but strict gun regulations)
3. Guatemala (right to bear arms but with regulatory oversight)

Patrick asserts that historical patterns show authoritarian governments often disarm their citizens first to gain control, citing examples like post-revolution Iran.

How the U.S. Constitution Has Endured

Unlike countries that frequently rewrite their constitutions, the United States relies on amendments to adjust policies while preserving foundational principles. The Bill of Rights (1791) laid the groundwork for American liberties, covering:

1. Freedom of speech, religion, press, and assembly
2. Right to bear arms
3. Protection against government intrusion
4. Due process and fair trials

Later amendments expanded civil rights, voting rights, and modern governance structures, but the core principles remain unchanged.

Historical Figures Who Disliked the Constitution

The Constitution has often frustrated leaders who sought more control. PBD highlights:

• Woodrow Wilson (introduced income taxes, criticized the Constitution as restrictive)
• Franklin D. Roosevelt (tried to expand the Supreme Court to push his agenda)
• Barack Obama (called the Constitution a “charter of negative liberties” for limiting government power)

This reaffirms the argument that a strong constitution restrains political leaders from overreaching their authority.

Lessons from Brazil: The Cost of Weak Institutions

The video concludes with Patrick’s reflections on Brazil’s political turmoil, where a Supreme Court judge overturned corruption charges against a former president, allowing him to return to power. The argument suggests that weak constitutions enable judicial and executive overreach, something the U.S. Constitution helps prevent.

Final Thoughts: Why Constitutional Stability Matters

The core message is that the U.S. Constitution safeguards individual freedoms and prevents unchecked government control. Despite challenges, it remains a powerful document that protects American liberties in a way few other nations can replicate.

Patrick encourages people in other countries to fight for stronger constitutional protections to ensure lasting freedom and stability.