Show of Hands

. . . I think it's often used to shut down debate on important issues like it is the perfect guide, and therefore some kind of ultimate argument. So on a certain issue pundits jump up and metaphorically wave the constitution in the air as if . . .

. . . it represents some kind of divine judgement, overruling any other argument. It's used too often to stifle reasoned debate.
Moving slowly and cautiously is usually good, but being governed by the ghosts of the past is not.

The Constitution is meant to shut down debate on "important issues" because when the federal government does things outside of it's enumerated powers, the size of government increases, and by nature, larger government = less freedom.

The Constitution protects the people and states from a large government.

@Fred: Eagle just about summed it up, us Americans love the constitution because we need a contained government. If they can have a debate on one amendment they will start having it on the more important amendments like the first amendment.