A sword may destroy a life, but the pen can direct, heal, teach, and destroy. The pen can represent strength and be proven weak.
The US constitution is only strong when the government that backs it does so in good faith. However, when words become hollow, then a constitution that does not have repercussions for acting in bad faith.
The point of this is that when the document of guidance and instruction is ignored, people turn to their own actions, the sword. The founding fathers had a clear plan, that was simple, and based on simplicity, but it was based on the best of man. Meaning these people were mostly Christians and Theists.
However, as the heart of men turns to his delights over his needs, or his humility, then he is unfit to rule. He is unfit to advise. He is even unfit to educate.