Why did colonists want a written constitution?
Contracts, laws and constitutions that are not in writing cannot be ejudicated or enforced fairly. Human rights and property rights cannot be counted on. Without written agreements, you can end up with dictatorship, anarchy and/or martial law.
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured_documents/magna_carta/
Read Churchill's statement here, as well as the rest of the artlcle about the Magna Carta, especially paragraph 3.
About the U.S. Consitiution not the Magna Carta
Did you READ paragraph 3???
The concern for a written constitution among colonists in the United States stemmed from their experiences under British rule. Several key factors drove the desire for a written constitution:
1. Protection of Individual Rights: Colonists sought to safeguard their fundamental rights and liberties. They were alarmed by perceived infringements on their freedoms by the British Crown, such as the imposition of taxes without representation and the quartering of British troops. A written constitution would explicitly enumerate and protect these rights.
2. Limited Government Power: Colonists felt that a written constitution would help establish a government with limited powers. They wanted to prevent the concentration of authority in a central government, as they believed a freer society could only be achieved through a system of checks and balances.
3. Clarity and Certainty: A written constitution would provide clear guidelines for governance and serve as a reference point for resolving disputes or ambiguities. The framers believed that a written constitution would ensure consistency and predictability in the application of laws.
To achieve their goal of a written constitution, the colonists organized the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Delegates from each state convened to draft a constitution that would embody their principles and create a framework for a new, independent nation. The result was the United States Constitution, which was ratified in 1788 and remains the supreme law of the land in the United States.