[dgxyz]

Based on recent events, I wouldn't suggest a constitution makes much of a difference to an adversarial government.

[littlestymaar]

This. The illusion that you could fend off tyranny with a piece of paper was always a bit ridiculous, and it shows.

[isk517]

Arguably it's purpose is to define where government responsibility ends and tyranny begins. Very useful if the population it applies to cares about it being violated

[gizajob]

The Magna Carta was meant to formalise that spec 800 years ago.

[exe34]

I suspect there is a hysteresis loop - it has to get really bad before the population changes phase.