I'll take a stab at this. In the 18th century, women did not have the vote. Slaves existed. Amendments were both passed to address this. Interpretation of the constitution is the purview (sp?) of the judiciary branch. Amendments are the purview of "we the people" and the legislative branch. As such, the Constitution and its amendments are meant to be valid "as written", with the most recent amendment(s) superseding previous ones (i.e.prohibition and repeal of same.)

One thing that disturbs me about increased federalization is the erosion of states' rights. The threat of withholding of federal funding (e.g. for education, roads, etc.) is a pretty powerful club to wield over individual states.