Isabella Carter
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America are two of the most important documents in American history. The Declaration of Independence was written first, in 1776, and was formally titled The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America. It was drafted by a congress that met in the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, and was adopted unanimously by 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress. The Constitution was written in 1787, and was also drafted by a congress that met in the Pennsylvania State House.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Which was written first? | The Declaration of Independence was written first, in 1776. The Constitution was written in 1787. |
| What are they? | The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of the United States. The Constitution is a "living document" that forms the bedrock of the American Charters of Freedom. |
| Who wrote them? | The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson. The Constitution was drafted by a congress and convention. |
| Where were they written? | Both were drafted by a congress and convention that met in the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia (now known as Independence Hall). |
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What You'll Learn
The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776
The Declaration explains why the Thirteen Colonies regarded themselves as independent sovereign states no longer subject to British colonial rule. It has become one of the most circulated, reprinted, and influential documents in history. The first formal public readings of the document took place on July 8, in Philadelphia, Trenton, New Jersey, and Easton, Pennsylvania. The first newspaper to publish it was The Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6. A German translation of the Declaration was published in Philadelphia by July 9.
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America form the bedrock of the American Charters of Freedom, a group of documents that also includes the Bill of Rights. All three are enshrined in the Rotunda of the National Archives in an altar-like setting. Abraham Lincoln referred to these documents, particularly the Declaration of Independence, as American scripture.
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The US Constitution was written in 1787
The Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution form the bedrock of the American Charters of Freedom, a group of documents which also includes the Bill of Rights. All three are enshrined in the Rotunda of the National Archives in an altar-like setting. Abraham Lincoln referred to these documents, particularly the Declaration of Independence, as American scripture, even using the phrase "American civil religion" when he invoked the Declaration's place in American memory.
The US Constitution was written in the present tense to make it a "living document". The Syng inkstand used at the signing was also used at the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787.
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The Declaration of Independence was drafted by a congress
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America form the bedrock of the American Charters of Freedom, a group of documents which also includes the Bill of Rights. All three are enshrined in the Rotunda of the National Archives in an altar-like setting. Abraham Lincoln referred to these documents as American scripture, and used the phrase "American civil religion" when he invoked the Declaration's place in American memory.
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The US Constitution was drafted by a convention
The Declaration of Independence was written first, in 1776. The US Constitution was drafted by a convention 11 years later, in 1787. Both documents were drafted by a congress that met in the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, now known as Independence Hall. The Declaration of Independence, formally titled *The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America*, is the founding document of the United States. It was adopted unanimously on July 4, 1776, by the 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress. These delegates became known as the Founding Fathers. The Declaration explains why the Thirteen Colonies regarded themselves as independent sovereign states no longer subject to British colonial rule. It has become one of the most circulated, reprinted, and influential documents in history. The US Constitution was deliberately written in the present tense to make it a "living document". Abraham Lincoln referred to the Declaration of Independence as American scripture, even using the phrase "American civil religion" when he invoked the Declaration's place in American memory.
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The Declaration of Independence has three parts
The Declaration of Independence was written first, in 1776, and the Constitution followed in 1787. The Declaration of Independence has three parts: a preamble, a list of grievances against the British King, and the declaration of independence from England. The preamble, which explains natural rights, was largely ignored at the time but has since become the most famous part of the document. The second part lists the wrongs committed by King George, and the third part is the official declaration of independence from England. The document was meant to reach not only Americans and the King, but also foreign allies and the rest of the world. The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are the three most important documents in American history. They form the bedrock of the American Charters of Freedom, enshrined in the Rotunda of the National Archives.
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Frequently asked questions
The Declaration of Independence was written first, in 1776. The Constitution was written in 1787.
Both documents were drafted by a congress and a convention that met in the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania State House was later renamed Independence Hall.
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson.
The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of the United States. It explains why the Thirteen Colonies regarded themselves as independent sovereign states no longer subject to British colonial rule.
