Since the mid 17th century, really. And does not currently exist as an independent nation. Which is exactly the point, they were making.
The US is certainly not the oldest institution in the world. And as a people, as a culture, yes, the US is rather young. But the US is relatively mature as far as continuous national governments go, and the oldest surviving democracy.
Part of a political system is that it changes, but the House of Lords for example has roots back to the 11th century. Sure, things change through the centuries, but it’s wrong to say they are not the same. The US has gained states and amended the constitution as well.
Since the mid 17th century, really. And does not currently exist as an independent nation. Which is exactly the point, they were making.
The US is certainly not the oldest institution in the world. And as a people, as a culture, yes, the US is rather young. But the US is relatively mature as far as continuous national governments go, and the oldest surviving democracy.
Part of a political system is that it changes, but the House of Lords for example has roots back to the 11th century. Sure, things change through the centuries, but it’s wrong to say they are not the same. The US has gained states and amended the constitution as well.