Simone Lawson
The United States Constitution and Declaration of Independence are two of the most important documents in the country's history. The Declaration of Independence, written in 1776, was a list of grievances against the British monarchy that justified the separation of the Thirteen Colonies from British rule. The US Constitution, on the other hand, was adopted in 1787 and established the framework for the federal government, outlining the separation of powers and the rights and responsibilities of state governments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of signing the US Constitution | 1787 |
| Date of US Constitution's ratification | 1788 |
| Date of signing the Declaration of Independence | 1776 |
| Date of Declaration of Independence's ratification | 1776 |
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What You'll Learn
The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776
The Declaration of Independence, one of the most important documents in American history, was written in 1776. It was a pivotal moment in the history of the United States, marking the 13 American colonies' severance of political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and it was on this day that the American colonies declared themselves an independent nation.
The Declaration of Independence was more than just a statement of independence. It summarised the motivations and ideals of the colonists, expressing their grievances against the King of England and outlining their reasons for seeking independence from British rule. The document asserted the rights and freedoms that the colonists believed they were entitled to as independent states, including the power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, and establish commerce.
The writing of the Declaration of Independence was preceded by a period of increasing tensions between the North American colonists and the British government over imperial policies regarding taxation and frontier policy. Protests by the colonists failed to bring about change, and instead resulted in punitive measures such as the closing of the port of Boston and the declaration of martial law in Massachusetts. As a result, colonial leaders began to seriously consider the possibility of independence and forming foreign alliances.
In late 1775, Benjamin Franklin, a member of the Secret Committee of Correspondence, hinted to French agents and European sympathisers that the colonies were leaning towards seeking independence. This was a strategic move, as Franklin hoped to secure French aid, which would only be possible if the colonies declared independence. By the winter of 1775-1776, members of the Continental Congress had largely abandoned hopes of reconciliation with Britain and embraced the idea of independence.
The process of drafting the Declaration of Independence began in 1776, with Thomas Jefferson being assigned the task of writing the declaration. Jefferson worked on the draft between June 11 and 28, consulting with other committee members like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. The final draft was presented to Congress on June 28, 1776, and after a period of revision, it was adopted on July 4, 1776. The approved Declaration was printed the next day and distributed to state assemblies, conventions, committees of safety, and commanding officers of the Continental troops.
The Declaration of Independence not only symbolised the birth of a new nation but also laid the foundation for the ideals and principles that would shape the United States. It expressed the colonists' commitment to freedom, equality, and certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration's impact extended beyond the borders of the newly independent nation, influencing the spread of democratic ideals around the world.
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The US Constitution was signed in 1787
The US Constitution, written and signed in 1787, is the oldest national constitution in the world. It was signed on September 17, 1787, by 39 delegates at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The Constitution is a charter of government that continues to be the supreme law of the land in the US.
The Constitution was drafted in secret by delegates to the convention during the summer of 1787. It was a four-page document that established the government of the United States. The convention was convened to revise the Articles of Confederation, which many Americans believed had created a weak and ineffective central government. However, it soon became clear that the delegates were working towards an entirely new form of government. The convention was divided over the issue of state representation in Congress, which was resolved by the Connecticut Compromise, proposing a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House of Representatives and equal representation of states in the Senate.
The Constitution did not come into effect immediately after it was signed. It needed to be ratified by nine of the 13 states, as dictated by Article VII. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify, and the Confederation Congress established March 4, 1789, as the date to begin operating a new government under the Constitution.
The US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence are two separate and distinct documents. While the Constitution defines the framework of the Federal Government of the United States, the Declaration of Independence expresses the ideals on which the country was founded and the reasons for separation from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776, listing grievances against the King of England to justify separation from British rule.
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The Declaration's adoption and publication
The Declaration of Independence, formally "The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America", is the founding document of the United States. It was written in 1776, over a year after the Thirteen Colonies and the Kingdom of Great Britain went to war.
On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion in Congress to declare independence. However, the motion was not immediately put to a vote, as some colonies were thought not to be quite ready for independence. Nevertheless, Congress formed a committee to draft a declaration of independence, with the task assigned to Thomas Jefferson. The committee—made up of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman—presented the final draft before Congress on June 28, 1776.
The Declaration of Independence was then adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, at the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall, in Philadelphia. The delegates who signed the Declaration became known as the Founding Fathers. The Declaration was unanimously ratified by the Second Continental Congress, whose delegates represented each of the Thirteen Colonies. They knew that by ratifying and signing the Declaration, they were committing an act of high treason against the Crown, which was punishable by torture and death.
Two days after its ratification, on July 8, the Declaration was published by The Pennsylvania Evening Post. The first public readings of the Declaration occurred simultaneously on July 8, 1776, at noon. On August 2, 1776, roughly a month after the Continental Congress approved the Declaration, an "engrossed" version was signed at the Pennsylvania State House by most of the congressional delegates. Eventually, 56 delegates signed the document.
The Declaration explained why the Thirteen Colonies regarded themselves as independent sovereign states no longer subject to British colonial rule. It summarized the colonists' motivations for seeking independence, citing 27 colonial grievances against King George III and asserting certain natural and legal rights, including a right of revolution. By declaring themselves an independent nation, the American colonists were able to confirm an official alliance with the Government of France and obtain French assistance in the war against Great Britain.
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The Constitution's ratification process
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and was ratified on June 21, 1788, when New Hampshire became the ninth of 13 states to ratify it. The road to ratification, however, was long and arduous. The Constitution was the result of months of passionate, thoughtful deliberation among the delegates, who were initially tasked with amending the Articles of Confederation. Instead, they ended up creating a new form of government.
The Constitution did not go into effect immediately after it was signed. Article VII established the process for ratification, stating that the ratification of nine states would be sufficient for the establishment of the Constitution. The document was then sent to the states for debate and ratification votes. The first state to ratify the Constitution was Delaware on December 7, 1787, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. Several states voiced opposition to the Constitution, arguing that it did not provide adequate protection for rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. However, the Massachusetts Compromise addressed these concerns, and the constitution was subsequently ratified by Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, and, finally, New Hampshire.
The ratification process was facilitated by lobbying efforts from Hamilton and James Madison, who are often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution." Together with John Jay, they produced 85 essays known as "The Federalist Papers," which explained and defended the proposed new government. These essays were published in newspapers nationwide and played a crucial role in garnering support for the Constitution.
The US Constitution has been amended 27 times since it became operational in 1789. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, specifically protect individual liberty and justice and place restrictions on the powers of the government. The majority of the 17 later amendments further expand civil rights protections, while others address federal authority or modify government processes.
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The influence of the Declaration and Constitution
The Declaration of Independence, written in 1776, and the Constitution, written in 1787, are two of the most important documents in American history. They are known as the Charters of Freedom, securing the rights of the American people and outlining the country's founding philosophy. The Declaration of Independence expresses the ideals upon which the United States was founded and justifies its separation from Great Britain, listing grievances against the King of England. The Constitution, on the other hand, defines the framework of the Federal Government of the United States and is the world's oldest national constitution.
The influence of these documents cannot be overstated. The Declaration of Independence not only articulated a vision for a new nation but also inspired other nations seeking independence and democratic ideals worldwide. It asserted the right of a people to overthrow an unjust government and establish a new system of governance, setting a precedent for popular sovereignty. The Constitution, with its emphasis on freedom and democratic governance, has been a beacon for democratic movements globally. By putting governance in the hands of the people, it revolutionized the concept of government and continues to inspire efforts to establish democratic systems.
The Constitution, as the supreme law of the land, has provided a stable framework for the US government, ensuring a balance between federal and state powers. It has been a living document, open to interpretation and amendment, allowing for flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances. The Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guarantees citizens' fundamental rights and liberties, including freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, due process of law, and the right to keep and bear arms. These rights have been vigorously defended and have shaped American society and culture.
The process of creating the Constitution also set a precedent for peaceful deliberation and consensus-building. The delegates who drafted it engaged in passionate and thoughtful discussions, demonstrating the power of compromise and collaboration. This spirit of cooperation and the recognition of the need for a strong yet adaptable central government continue to influence lawmaking and political discourse in the United States. The Constitution's ratification process, involving state conventions and the establishment of a new government, further reinforced the principles of federalism and representative democracy.
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution have also played a significant role in shaping American identity and national pride. They symbolize the country's commitment to freedom, self-governance, and the pursuit of happiness. The documents are revered as sacred texts, with their original copies displayed in the Rotunda of the National Archives, designed as a shrine to American democracy. They continue to inspire and guide Americans, providing a sense of shared history and values, and serving as a reminder of the nation's founding principles and the struggles for independence and liberty.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution was signed in 1787 and celebrated its 200th anniversary in 1987.
The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776.
The original US Constitution is at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
The original Declaration of Independence is also at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence.
