The Constitution Vs. Declaration Of Independence: Which Is Longer?

The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution are two of the most important documents in American history. The Declaration of Independence, drafted by a committee including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin, was finalised on July 4, 1776, and signed by representatives from all 13 colonies on August 2, 1776. It stated that the United States was independent of Great Britain and included a list of grievances against the King of England. The U.S. Constitution, on the other hand, was written during the Constitutional Convention from May 25 to September 17, 1787, and provided the legal framework for the federal government, setting out the laws of the land. While the Declaration of Independence was written on a single sheet of parchment, the Constitution required four sheets of the same size for its main content and signatures.

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The number of sheets of parchment used

The Declaration of Independence, finalised and signed in 1776, was drafted by a committee of five that included future presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, as well as Benjamin Franklin. It was a pronouncement, not a law, that informed the British and the world that the colonies formally and permanently rejected British rule. The document expressed the ideals on which the United States was founded and included a list of grievances against the King of England.

The Constitution, written in 1787, defines the framework of the federal government of the United States. It identifies the roles of the three branches of government, how they are formed, how they interact, and their limitations. It also sets forth laws that must be obeyed by all citizens. The Constitution was engrossed by Jacob Shallus, while the Declaration of Independence was most likely engrossed by Timothy Matlack.

The two documents are considered the most powerful and elegantly written in recorded history, integral to the creation and success of American democracy. They are also known as the Charters of Freedom, securing the rights of the American people for over two centuries.

The number of amendments

The United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence are two of the most important documents in the history of American democracy. The former was written during the Constitutional Convention, from May 25 to September 17, 1787, and was signed by representatives from 13 colonies. The latter was finalised on July 4, 1776, and was signed by the majority of delegates on August 2 of the same year.

The US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence differ in terms of their purpose and function. The Declaration of Independence, drafted by a committee that included future presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, as well as Benjamin Franklin, was a pronouncement that put the British on notice that the colonies no longer considered themselves subject to British rule. It included a list of grievances against the King of England. On the other hand, the US Constitution formed the federal government and set the laws of the land, identifying the roles of the three branches of government, how they are formed, how they interact, and their limitations. It is a governing document that sets forth laws that must be obeyed by all citizens.

The US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence also differ in length. The Declaration of Independence was written on a single sheet of parchment measuring 29.75 x 24.5 inches, while the US Constitution was written on four sheets of parchment of roughly the same size. The signatures for the Constitution are on the fourth sheet.

In terms of amendments, the Declaration of Independence has none, while the US Constitution originally had 12. The first 10 amendments to the Constitution form the Bill of Rights, which defines the rights of citizens and states in relation to the government.

The purpose of each document

The Declaration of Independence, written in 1776, served several purposes. Firstly, it was designed to inform colonists that they needed to unite and fight for their rights. Secondly, it listed a series of grievances against King George III, justifying the colonies' separation from British rule and their right to rebellion. Thirdly, it formally announced the creation of a new country, independent of England, to both the King and the world. The Declaration also aimed to motivate foreign allies to join the colonists' fight for freedom and independence.

The Declaration of Independence includes the well-known phrase, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." This statement expresses the belief in the inherent equality of all people and their right to life, liberty, and happiness.

The US Constitution, on the other hand, was written and signed in 1787, and it serves as the fundamental framework of America's system of government. It establishes a federal government and sets the laws of the land. The Constitution separates the powers of the government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It also divides power between the states and the federal government, creating a system of checks and balances to ensure that no single branch holds too much power. The Constitution continues to be the supreme law of the land and has been an inspiration for democratic governance worldwide.

The Constitution begins with the words, "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity..." This introduction reflects the document's purpose to establish a democratic form of governance that protects individual freedoms and ensures justice, tranquility, and the general welfare of the American people.

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The people involved in drafting and signing

The drafting of the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were pivotal moments in the nation's history, and a diverse group of individuals played crucial roles in these endeavours. Both documents were products of intense debate, careful consideration, and the collective efforts of men with varying backgrounds and expertise. Here, we explore the key people involved in the drafting and signing of these seminal documents.

The Declaration of Independence:

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, was primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson, a Virginia representative to the Second Continental Congress and future president of the United States, is often hailed as the "principal author." His eloquent and powerful words set forth the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from Britain. Jefferson worked in collaboration with a committee appointed by the Congress, which included John Adams of Massachusetts and Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania. This committee reviewed and made some revisions to Jefferson's draft before presenting it to the Congress.

The final version of the Declaration was then presented to the Congress as a whole, where further debates and modifications took place. One notable change was suggested by Benjamin Franklin and accepted—the removal of a passage critical of the slave trade, due to the Southern colonies' objections. Ultimately, 56 delegates to the Congress signed the Declaration, with John Hancock, the President of the Congress, leaving a famously large and bold signature. Other notable signatories include John Adams, Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Richard Henry Lee.

The United States Constitution:

Over a decade after the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution was drafted in Philadelphia during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The main author, or "Father of the Constitution," is widely considered to be James Madison of Virginia, who took copious notes during the Convention and made significant contributions to the document's structure and content. Madison worked closely with other key figures, including Gouverneur Morris of Pennsylvania, who is credited with writing the preamble to the Constitution, beginning with the iconic words, "We the People."

Other influential delegates to the Convention included George Washington, who presided over the proceedings and would become the first president under the new Constitution. Benjamin Franklin, a respected elder statesman, also contributed his wisdom and experience. Alexander Hamilton, although he initially opposed the Constitution, later became one of its strongest proponents and authored the majority of the Federalist Papers, which advocated for the document's ratification. The final document was signed on September 17, 1787, by 39 of the 55 delegates, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton.

In conclusion, the drafting and signing of both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were collaborative endeavours involving a diverse group of individuals with a shared vision for the nation's future. These men, through their words and actions, laid the foundations for a new nation and a system of government that continues to shape the United States to this day. The contributions of these key figures remain an integral part of America's rich political history and democratic ideals.

The dates of signing

The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution are two of the most significant documents in American history, outlining the country's independence from Great Britain and its subsequent federal government and laws. The Declaration of Independence, finalised on July 4, 1776, was signed by the majority of delegates on August 2, 1776, marking a pivotal moment in the birth of the nation. However, it is important to note that the signing of the Declaration of Independence was not a single-day event. While most delegates signed on August 2, 1776, the process continued through the fall of that year and possibly as late as 1781, as delegates returned to or arrived at Congress.

The Declaration of Independence, drafted by a committee that included future presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, served as a pronouncement of the colonies' rejection of British rule. It was not a law but a statement of intent, expressing the ideals and reasons for separation from Great Britain. Benjamin Franklin, at 70 years old, was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The United States Constitution, on the other hand, was signed on September 17, 1787, marking the establishment of the federal government and the laws of the land. The Constitution was engrossed on parchment by Jacob Shallus, and the signatures are found on the fourth sheet. The signing of the Constitution, unlike the Declaration of Independence, took place on a single day, as evidenced by newspaper printings from September 19, 1787, which listed all the signers. Benjamin Franklin, at 81 years old, was once again the oldest signer, the only person to have achieved this distinction for both documents.

The signing of these two documents occurred over a decade apart, with 11 years separating the Declaration of Independence's signing in 1776 and the Constitution's signing in 1787. This gap reflects the historical context of the time, as the newly independent colonies worked to establish a centralised government and solidify their position as a nation.

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