checks and balances

In 1832, the Supreme Court, headed by the revered John Marshall, ruled in favor of the Cherokee Indians in the case Worcester v. Georgia, where Georgia was attempting to take the land of the Cherokees for use of newer, whiter settlers. According to this decision, Georgia was not allowed to take the land.

The response of the then-President of the United States, Andrew Jackson: "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it." Jackson, who was known as a "man of the people", stood by while the Cherokees were herded halfway across the country to Oklahoma, on foot, losing 25% of their numbers while doing so. Actually, since the military was used to force this removal, he obviously did more than merely stand by.

My point? No point, other than to say that I think people place too much faith in the workings of government. If those in power make a decision, and those who placed them in power sit back and accept that decision, regardless of it's "legality", then what exactly are we playing at here? What is the point of a constitution if you can set it aside and no one objects?