Wow, Best Answer to This Question Yet

It is extremely rare when someone has a strong enough grasp on US History to really understand where and when things started to happen.  I really enjoy, and am relieved when I know there are some out there that really truly have read up on things.  Answers to questions about the United States like this show that glimmer of hope…

“I would have to say that the Civil War was the end of America as envisioned by the Constitution. That was the point when the framework of government outlined by the Constitution was replaced by a system of corporate governance which lead to the abuse of the Commerce Clause and allowed the creation of the American Bankers Association, which lead to the creation of the American Bar Association, which in turn created the Uniform Law Commission which created and gradually implemented the Uniform Commercial Code. This allowed private special interests to run end runs around the Constitution. From this the Commerce Clause downgraded the role of states and local governments in the regulation of business and commerce and has created and maintained the commercial framework by which the captains of finance and industry have nearly totally and completely raised their status as the true property owners of America and have essentially exerted their will through unelected boards and councils. Articulating the natural law as the basis for the founding of a country was an exciting idea. Although short lived It was an exciting time in history and worth much reflection in my opinion.”

by Al Agapito over on Quora.