When the gap between constitutional ideals and political reality becomes a chasm, it breeds public cynicism and disrespect for the judicial process.

Our constitutional ideal of openness, which has worked well for nearly 200 years, must give way to values that are less democratic -and manifestly less successful.

The constitutional ideal is noble; but the politicians are vile.

Non-partisan organization dedicated to the study and teaching of founding principles and constitutional ideals for American self-government.

The College believes in the Jesuit and constitutional ideal of contributing towards a society of equality, fraternity and liberty through an admission policy of preferential option for the poor.

Rhiannon called on the Australian Labor Party to advance instead the party's constitutional ideals for "redistribution of political and economic power" and "the development of public enterprises based upon... forms of social ownership".

The NBC series, "Mancuso, F.B.I.," scheduled for Friday nights at 10, aims to focus the acerbic eye of a grizzled patriot on corrupted constitutional ideals.

The task of nurturing the constitutional ideal of dignity does not rest solely with the nine Justices, or even the cadre of Federal and state judges.

Stakes for Nation "If the Court's legitimacy should be undermined," the opinion said, "then so would the country be in its very ability to see itself through its constitutional ideals."

Written for young people and adults, it is a hagiography of sorts, offering profiles of Americans who, Hentoff believes, embody the constitutional ideals expressed in the Bill of Rights.