Constitution vs. Declaration of Independence

Attribute	Constitution	Declaration of Independence
Author	Framers of the Constitutional Convention	Thomas Jefferson
Purpose	Establish the framework of the government	Declare independence from Great Britain
Year	1787	1776
Significance	Sets up the structure of the US government	Asserts the rights of the American colonies
Length	7 articles	1 document

Introduction

Both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence are foundational documents in American history, but they serve different purposes and have distinct attributes. While the Declaration of Independence announced the colonies' separation from Britain and laid out the philosophical principles of freedom and equality, the Constitution established the framework for the new government and outlined the powers and responsibilities of each branch. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two important documents.

Historical Context

The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress, declaring the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule. It was written primarily by Thomas Jefferson and reflected the Enlightenment ideals of natural rights and self-government. On the other hand, the Constitution was drafted in 1787 during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, replacing the weaker Articles of Confederation with a stronger central government. The Constitution was influenced by the ideas of the Founding Fathers, including James Madison and Alexander Hamilton.

Content and Structure

The Declaration of Independence is a single document that begins with a preamble stating the reasons for independence, followed by a list of grievances against King George III, and ends with the colonies' declaration of independence. It is a powerful statement of principles and values, emphasizing the rights of individuals and the duty to resist tyranny. In contrast, the Constitution is a more detailed and complex document that is divided into seven articles, each addressing different aspects of government, such as the separation of powers, federalism, and the amendment process.

Principles and Values

Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are based on the principles of liberty, equality, and democracy, but they emphasize different aspects of these values. The Declaration focuses on the natural rights of individuals, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and the right to alter or abolish an oppressive government. The Constitution, on the other hand, emphasizes the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the protection of individual rights through a system of checks and balances.

Role of Government

The Declaration of Independence asserts that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed and that the people have the right to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive of their rights. It establishes the idea of popular sovereignty and the duty of government to protect the rights of its citizens. In contrast, the Constitution outlines the structure and powers of the federal government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and establishes a system of federalism that divides powers between the national government and the states.

Amendment Process

One of the key differences between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution is the process for making changes to each document. The Declaration is a statement of principles and values that cannot be amended or changed; it stands as a symbol of American ideals and aspirations. The Constitution, on the other hand, includes a formal amendment process outlined in Article V, which requires approval by two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of the states. This process allows the Constitution to adapt to changing circumstances and reflect the will of the people.

Legacy and Impact

Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution have had a lasting impact on American history and political thought. The Declaration inspired revolutions around the world and continues to be a symbol of freedom and democracy. The Constitution has served as the foundation of the American government for over two centuries, providing a framework for the rule of law and the protection of individual rights. Together, these two documents represent the enduring values and principles of the United States.