How does wharton develop the themes of judgment and control in the excerpt from house of mirth?

The conventions of a number of the states, having at the time of their adopting the constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: and as extending the ground of public confidence in the government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution. what is meant by the phrase "further declaratory and restrictive clauses"?

What does twain find ironic and hypocritical about human patriotism?

What are some of the images and diction used by the narrator that evoke the "dream of america"?