I don't know if you remember this, but there was an election recently that was rather volatile. Whether you are happy or unhappy with the outcome, the question on everyone's mind is: What happens next? How will our government change? How will we be governed? The final answer to those questions will not be known for some time, but what we do know is that whatever the intent, significant change in policy will be tempered and guided by our country's Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, laws and the multitude of checks and balances inherent in the structure of our democracy. Those fundamental concepts or "governing documents," to use a term of art, form the core of our democracy. They provide our country with stability and allow our country to transfer power relatively peacefully, no matter how contested the election. read more