1. Constancy in an open system, requires mechanisms by which steady states such as glucose concentrations, body temperature, and acid-base balance were regulated. 2. Steady- state conditions require that any tendency toward change automatically meets with factors that resist change.3. The regulating system that determines the homeostatic state consists of a number of cooperating mechanisms acting simultaneously or successively 4. Homeostasis does not occur by chance, but is the result of organized self-government.