Minutes of a hearing of the Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution are presented, beginning with opening statements from four United States senators (Hatch, Grassley, Thurmond, DeConcini) concerning the significance of the United States Constitution and its doctrine of the diffusion of powers. The core of the minutes includes the prepared statements of five secondary and post secondary students who have done extensive studies on the constitutional doctrine of checks and balances. Each essay looks at the system of checks and balances from the individual student's viewpoint, with each highlighting various historical events affected by this particular power. All of the essays point out the stability and value of the Constitution based on this power. The minutes conclude with each student commenting on the possible need for an amendment in the area of checks and balances. (TRS)