Sigh....It is always so amusing to watch the certitude of young people who were not around when stuff happened. They only know what they read and hear, and only read what they want to see and hear what they want to hear.
The Federalist System was intended to be a weak overarching system that kept states from being at one another's throats so that the union of states would be beneficial to all, especially smaller states. The Constitution limited the Federal government. Gridlock was the intent of the Founders. Individual prosperity and liberty only happens when the federal government stands out of the way. That's what checks and balances are all about. It's too bad they don't teach the Constitution in the schools; starting in grade 5 and continuing through grade 12. It's a pretty obvious oversight.
The BoR was laid out as a reminder of the limiting intent of the Constitution. Ie: if you don't understand the limits of the document, here are a few reminders, spelled out clearly about SOME of the limits. In fact if the document doesn't say it can, then it can't.
Unfortunately, citizens stopped being intimately involved in the process of maintaining the Republic and the warning given by one of the founders, "We have given you a Republic, madam, if you can keep it" was not heeded, especially now.
Obama and his ilk are a greater danger to our Republic than anything we have faced before. He's the smiling benevolent dictator all you statists have been anxiously waiting for. Be careful what you ask for, you are likely to get it. The Republicans are not much better.
But let me put it to you simply. I would rather deal with the robber barons than a strong national government. I can avoid the robber baron if I choose, with no other danger than inconvenience. If I avoid the government, they will come with guns, take away my goods, property and throw me under a jail.