"You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the Independence and Liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts, of common dangers, sufferings, and successes."
-George Washington's Farewell Address
It's easy for the common man to take for granted the stability of the United States government. A government system that is copied throughout the world, and is seen as the standard for democracy internationally and that has lasted for more than two centuries. No doubt, the much-matured government is thriving now, but just how well founded was it in its infancy? Many believe the government was on the brink of collapse, and as luck would have it any other way, would not have survived the fissures caused by differing political ideology. The only thing that really separated the new government from the same fate as other European-Colonies-turned-free, namely collapse and/or corruption, was a combination of strong leadership, a good constitution, and a fair amount of luck.
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