[Master Belisarius]

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
Ok... if it is not technically the oldest, the US government is old in comparison to other current governments around the world. It has been around for centuries, and has never once collapsed (after the articles of federation were done with, of course). The US Civil War doesn't count for this, cause the Federal government kept going strong when the southern states seceeded from the union. And, there was a presidential election during the middle of the US Civil War, which goes to show that the democratic ideals where not squelched in time of danger. That would be another sign of stability.

I think your point about democracy and stability is valid, and USA is a good example.
For this reason I sent a mail!