Declaration Vs Constitution: Which Came First?

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are two of the most important documents in American history. The Declaration of Independence, written in 1776, expresses the ideals on which the United States was founded and its reasons for separation from Great Britain. The Constitution, on the other hand, was written in 1787 and defines the framework of the Federal Government of the United States. So, yes, the Declaration of Independence is older than the Constitution.

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The Declaration of Independence was adopted in July 1776

The Declaration of Independence, which states the principles on which the US government and identity are based, was adopted in July 1776. It expresses the ideals on which the United States was founded and the reasons for its separation from Great Britain. The document was finalised on July 4, 1776, but it was not officially signed by representatives from all 13 colonies until August 2.

The Declaration of Independence was drafted by a congress that met in the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia in 1776. The principal drafter was Thomas Jefferson, who went on to become the third president of the United States. The document was signed by 56 representatives, more than the number of signatures on the US Constitution.

The Declaration of Independence is considered one of the most important documents in American history. It is not legally binding, but it is powerful and influential. Abraham Lincoln called it "a rebuke and a stumbling block to tyranny and oppression". The Declaration has inspired people around the world to fight for freedom and equality.

The Declaration of Independence is distinct from the US Constitution, which was written during the Constitutional Convention from May 25 to September 17, 1787. The Constitution formed the federal government of the United States and set the laws of the land. It did not include the word "equality", but Lincoln believed that the concept of "all men are created equal" remained a founding principle of the nation.

The US Constitution was written in 1787

The United States Constitution, the supreme law of the land, was crafted and ratified over two centuries ago, in the latter part of the 18th century. The year was 1787, and the document came into being through the diligent efforts of a group of visionary leaders gathered in Philadelphia. This pivotal moment in American history witnessed the birth of a foundational text that would go on to shape the nation's political landscape and define its system of governance.

The year 1787 holds significance as it marked a decade since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The intervening years had been a period of upheaval and transformation, with the American Revolutionary War resulting in the establishment of a new nation. The young nation faced the daunting task of establishing a functional and unified government, a challenge that led to the convening of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in May 1787.

The convention brought together delegates from 12 states (all except Rhode Island), including prominent figures such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison. These founding fathers engaged in spirited debates and discussions throughout the hot Philadelphia summer, grappling with issues of representation, federal power, and individual liberties. Their goal was to create a framework for a robust and enduring government that could unite the states and safeguard the freedoms won through the Revolution.

The final document, signed on September 17, 1787, established a federal system with a delicate balance of powers across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It enshrined fundamental rights and freedoms, outlined the processes for electing leaders and passing laws, and provided a mechanism for amending the Constitution to adapt to the nation's evolving needs. The Constitution was a product of compromise and collaboration, reflecting the diverse interests and ideals of the founding fathers and the states they represented.

The writing and ratification of the Constitution in 1787 set a foundational precedent for the United States, providing a framework that has endured for over two centuries. It established a system of checks and balances, limited federal power, and guaranteed certain inalienable rights for all citizens. The Constitution has been amended and interpreted over time to address societal changes and ensure its relevance in a dynamic and evolving nation. Thus, the year 1787 holds a special place in American history as the birth year of the US Constitution, a document that continues to shape the country's destiny.

The Constitution's creation in 1787 was a pivotal moment, marking a new chapter in the American experiment. It demonstrated the founding fathers' commitment to establishing a fair and just government, rooted in the principles of liberty and democracy. This enduring legacy continues to inspire and guide the nation's journey, reminding Americans of their shared values and the foundational principles upon which their country was built.

The Declaration is not legally binding

The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are considered the three most important documents in American history. They are often viewed as fused together, as they represent the liberty and equality that are best about America.

The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776 and finalized on July 4, 1776, though it was not officially signed by representatives from all 13 colonies until August 2, 1776. The document expresses the ideals on which the United States was founded and the reasons for its separation from Great Britain. It also includes a list of grievances against the King of England. The Declaration is unique in that it is not legally binding, but it is powerful and influential. It has inspired people worldwide to fight for freedom and equality. Abraham Lincoln, for instance, called it "a rebuke and a stumbling block to tyranny and oppression." The Declaration's vision of equality and liberty has influenced many movements, including the women's suffrage movement and the civil rights movement.

The Constitution, on the other hand, forms the federal government and sets the laws of the land. It defines the framework of the federal government of the United States and was written during the Constitutional Convention from May 25 to September 17, 1787. Unlike the Declaration, the Constitution is legally binding and can be amended. It originally had 12 amendments, and the Bill of Rights is the first 10 of these amendments, defining citizens' and states' rights in relation to the government.

While the Declaration of Independence is not legally binding, it has played a significant role in shaping American history and values. It provided the foundation for the creation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which gave legal force to the liberties and ideals outlined in the Declaration. The Declaration's influence can also be seen in the amendments made to the Constitution following the Civil War, which formally ended slavery and guaranteed equal protection under the law. Thus, while not legally binding, the Declaration of Independence has had a profound and lasting impact on the nation's laws and values.

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The Constitution defines the framework of the Federal Government

The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are known collectively as the Charters of Freedom, which have secured the rights of the American people for over two centuries. The Declaration of Independence, adopted in July 1776, expresses the ideals on which the United States was founded and the reasons for its separation from Great Britain.

The Constitution serves as the foundation for the Federal Government's structure and authority. It outlines the distribution of powers between the national and state levels, with Congress requiring express or implied authority from the Constitution to act, while states may act unless the Constitution prohibits their actions. This principle, known as federalism, ensures a balance of power and autonomy within the country's governance.

The Constitution also sets forth the rights and responsibilities of citizens and states in relation to the Federal Government. The Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments to the Constitution, is particularly significant in this regard. It enumerates the rights and freedoms guaranteed to citizens and states, providing a framework for the protection and exercise of these rights within the Federal Government's context.

The Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, are foundational documents that shape the principles, governance, and rights framework of the United States. They represent the country's commitment to freedom, democracy, and the establishment of a unified yet balanced system of government.

The Declaration and Constitution were drafted by a congress

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are two of the most important documents in American history. They are considered the Charters of Freedom, securing the rights of the American people and forming the foundation of the United States. The Declaration of Independence, finalised and adopted in 1776, states the principles on which the American government and identity are based, including the famous phrase ""all men are created equal". It expresses the ideals on which the United States was founded and lists grievances against the King of England, justifying the colonies' separation from Great Britain.

The Constitution, on the other hand, was written and ratified over a decade later in 1787. It defines the framework of the Federal Government of the United States and sets the laws of the land. The Constitution did not include the word "equality", but Lincoln believed that the concept of equality remained a founding principle due to its inclusion in the Declaration. The Constitution originally included 12 amendments, with the first 10 known as the Bill of Rights, which defines citizens' and states' rights in relation to the government.

Both the Declaration and the Constitution were drafted by a congress. The Declaration of Independence was drafted by the Second Continental Congress, which convened in Philadelphia in 1775. The committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston, among others. Thomas Jefferson, who went on to become the third President of the United States, was the principal drafter of the Declaration. The document was finalised on July 4, 1776, and officially signed by representatives from all 13 colonies by August 2 of that year.

The Constitution, on the other hand, was drafted during the Constitutional Convention, which took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787. James Madison, known as the "Father of the Constitution", was the fourth President of the United States. Interestingly, Jefferson was not involved in writing the Constitution and was serving as the American Minister to France at the time. The Constitution was signed by 39 representatives, fewer than the 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence.

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