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have varied from time to time. This elasticity or
power of modification in details, without in any way
affecting the fixity of the general characteristics
and principles of the whole, is a source of the
strength and endurance of the Constitution through
all the vicissitudes and changes involved in the
development of political opinion.

The British Constitution, in its present form,
is the result of many centuries of growth and of
many political influences. The early history of its
origin and development is involved in obscurity,
like that of most other political institutions. Until
the last two centuries historians said little of civil
institutions, and all Governments such as that of
England arose before the time of written history,
Even at the present time it is based largely on
tradition and immemorial usage. To understand
the Constitution of England (says Amos in his
work on the English Constitution), existing and
immemorial institutions must be studied as well as
the following classes ot authorities :—
(1) Written documents of the nature of
solemn engagements made at great
national crises, between persons representing
 opposed political forces.
Such are the Great Charter and its
several confirmations and amended
editions, the Petition of Rights, and
the Declaration of Rights,