Checks, Balances, And Bashman

Howard's new Slate piece, Poll-Tergeist -- Why the Supreme Court shouldn't care what you think, reminds us of the fundamental policies underlying the existence of the judicial branch:

Here in the United States—where an unelected federal judiciary is responsible for resolving the most politically and socially divisive issues of our time—it is not surprising that the term "unconstitutional" has become colloquially synonymous with "very, very bad thing." In the public's mind, all matters fervently opposed either are unconstitutional or should be. Yet caution should guide those who approve of having the Constitution's meaning determined by referendum. For public opinion can, and does, change.

Double congratulations are in order: for the erudite essay and the excellent channel in which it appears!